Source: Daily_Mail
Saudi sweep: Middle East billionaires line up to buy 10 more English clubs
A further 10 English clubs are being lined up for takeovers by oil-rich Saudi Arabian businessmen, according to one of the Middle East game's most influential figures.[LNB]Following Portsmouth's purchase by Ali Abdullah Al Faraj, the strength of interest in owning a Premier League or Championship team has been revealed by Dr Hafez Almedlej, chairman of the Saudi Professional League Commission. [LNB] Enlarge Come buy us: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard appeals for a foul after a crunching tackle from Chelsea's Michael Ballack [LNB]Dr Almedlej insisted more investors will follow if the Fratton Parktakeover proves to be a success. 'If, in a year's time there was nobackfire and everyone was settled, I am sure at least 10 more investorswill come,' he said. 'Not necessarily to the Premier League. They mightcome and buy some clubs at the Championship level.[LNB] Sheik on it: Prince Faisal bin Fahad bin Abdullah (left) is in talks with Liverpool owner George Gillett (right) about a possible takeover bid at Anfield[LNB]'Last year I had some people interested in Championship clubs and making enquiries. Their specific needs are that they wanted a club that has a high average crowd, with good facilities - and clubs in London.' [LNB]Liverpool are the latest club to be linked to a wealthy Saudi, withPrince Faisal said to be in talks about a takeover at Anfield.[LNB]Elusive: New Pompey owner Al Faraj[LNB]Dr Almedlej, speaking at the Leaders in Football conference, insisted the English game had nothing to fear. There was no harm done for Manchester United being taken over by Americans. So why not? [LNB]'If the businessmen come, inject the money and leave football decisions to the football people then it's no problem. They just want the success. The passion comes from that. In Saudi, you have to have passion for the club. [LNB]'It's very rare to find any businessman in Saudi Arabia who does not support a British team. I think more than 20 seats in the Emirates Stadium are bought by Saudi people who attend every game whenever they are in London.' [LNB]But claiming that his countrymen are not only interested in the cream of English teams, Dr Almedlej added that there could also be cases like that of Notts County in the very near future. [LNB]'I think not everyone will buy a Premier League club, but buy from a lower level and try to bring them up,' he told the conference at Stamford Bridge. [LNB]'To buy a club from the First Division (The Championship) and bring it up is an even better investment.' [LNB]Manchester City are the most high-profile club to have profited from a Middle East buy-out, with the investment from Sheik Mansour, of the Abu Dhabi ruling family, having helped transform the Eastlands side into genuine challengers for a Champions League qualification place, if not the title. [LNB] City slickers: Manchester City manager Mark Hughes lines up with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak (left), owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (second from right) and Executive Chairman Garry Cook, following the takeover at Eastlands last year[LNB]Dr Almedlej added: 'I wrote an article seven years ago about Manchester City inviting Saudi businessman to buy them at that time when they were bottom of the second league.' [LNB]On the issue of Portsmouth's ownership, however, Dr Almedlej added that, while he is hopeful the club's fortunes will receive a much-needed boost following Al Faraj's takeover, he admitted the new man at Fratton Park is just as much of a mystery in his homeland. [LNB]'To us, we hear rumours from the British media. I read the papers online and watch Sky News. I asked my friends and nobody knows him. For three days, I see there is no picture of him in the Saudi papers.'[LNB] Pompey saved! But does anyone know who Ali Abdullah Al Faraj actually is?MARTIN SAMUEL: The true Premier League fitness test... show us the cashLiverpool targeted by Saudi prince: Middle Eastern investor seeks 50 per cent stake in Anfield club for £350m Notts County reveal mystery backers at last: Middle East families are ownersHicks hopes Middle East investment drive will fund Liverpool's new stadiumLiverpool injury scare as Fernando Torres suffers pain with SpainI'm no marriage counsellor! Saudi prince warns Liverpool owners to reduce debt and end feud before he'll investLIVERPOOL FC
