Pompey reveal hijack claim

07 June 2009 16:02
It is reported that two high-profile clubs attempted to hijack Portsmouth's takeover by Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim. Third parties claiming to represent the interests of Newcastle United and West Ham approached Al-Fahim when hearing of his planned investment. The billionaire property tycoon confirmed that he had been contacted by connections from both clubs when formal negotiations to buy Pompey had commenced. Unfazed by such an approach, Al-Fahim insisted he would not be deterred and confirmed his planned investment will go ahead as planned. "I was contacted by groups claiming to represent two major clubs, but I had no interest in walking away from Portsmouth," he told the Sunday Mirror. "I went to meticulous lengths to find a club that suited my future needs and I have a moral obligation to see the deal through. "Over the last 12 months I have been offered numerous opportunities to invest in English clubs, but everything felt right about the investment in Portsmouth. Pompey chief executive chairman Peter Storie spoke to quash rumours of third party involvement, saying: "We are puzzled by inaccurate claims of third party involvement. "There are no Middle East or Asian consortiums involved. It is being solely financed by Dr Al-Fahim."

Source: SKY_Sports