Fulham's bid to oust Sir David Richards as Premier League chairman looks set to be dealt with by an independent arbitration process after the High Court ordered a stay of the club's legal proceedings against him.
The Cottagers have been seeking to have Richards removed - or at the very least banned from involvement with any transfers - after accusing him of scuppering their attempt to sign Peter Crouch from Portsmouth in July 2009.
Fulham launched legal action against both Richards and the Premier League over the matter, but Wednesday saw the latter pair successfully apply to halt those proceedings while arbitration takes place.
It is not yet known if the club have sought permission to appeal the decision.
In granting the Premier League and Richards application of a stay, Mr Justice Vos said in his judgment: "The arbitrators will have adequate powers to deal with Fulham's complaint properly, fairly and satisfactorily, and it would be extremely desirable for all concerned if they were permitted to do so without further delay."
Technically, the arbitration proceedings will have the power to force Richards' removal but Wednesday's decision will nevertheless be seen as a blow to Fulham's hopes on that front.
Source: PA
