Source: SKY_Sports
Pompey clarify takeover status
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Portsmouth have admitted that further players could be sold should Sulaiman Al Fahim's takeover fall through.[LNB] An uncertain summer on the South Coast has played its part in the exits of key duo Glen Johnson and Peter Crouch.[LNB]Al Fahim remains locked in talks with current owner Alexandre Gaydamak and reports have even suggested the former could pull out of a potential deal.[LNB]But the Arabian businessman released a statement on Tuesday rejecting those claims, shortly after the club reacted to a report that cast doubt over the club's future.[LNB]A statement on the club's official website said: "Regarding the takeover, during this transitional phase the priority is to keep Portsmouth Football Club operating. [LNB]"This is something we have successfully achieved since the current owner, Alexandre Gaydamak, announced his intention to sell nine months ago. No new finance has been available to us since that time.[LNB]Sales"The need to meet scheduled loan repayments to banks has meant that the club has had to sell players such as Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe in January, and more recently Glen Johnson and Peter Crouch. [LNB]"While it is our intention to add strength to the existing squad we cannot rule out the possibility of having to sell more players should the takeover not happen.[LNB]"However, we are assured that Sulaiman Al Fahim is committed to buying the club and investing in all areas, including the playing personnel.[LNB]"Everyone at the club shares the frustration of supporters. We know only too well that we need to add to the first-team squad, but at this moment in time there is a limited amount we can do until the takeover is completed.[LNB]"That is why Paul Hart and the team need the support of the fans more than ever in what promises to be a tough season in the Premier League. [LNB]"We can assure you that chief executive officer Peter Storrie, the board and everyone at the club is working tirelessly to keep the club running as professionally as possible in these difficult circumstances."[LNB]Final stagesAl Fahim added: "I have always said that we would complete the due diligence process in the course of July and that I would submit to the Premier League my application under the Premier League's 'Fit and Proper Person Test' immediately after the completion of the due diligence. I have duly met both deadlines.[LNB]"The current owner and I have agreed and signed the Terms Sheet document, with which the terms of the transaction have been finalised.[LNB]"Now we are in the final stages of the transaction and I will exercise every effort to complete it as soon as possible in the interest of both the club and its supporters, who are showing an extraordinary level of loyalty to this great club."[LNB]
