Source: SKY_Sports
Pompey refute takeover claim
Portsmouth have strenuously denied a report that Thaksin Shinawatra is involved in funding Sulaiman Al-Fahim's bid to buy the club.
Al-Fahim has had an offer to buy Pompey accepted by current owner Alexandre Gaydamak and is currently waiting to officially complete the deal following a period of due diligence.
A report in Saturday's press claimed Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards has assisted in the £60million takeover at Fratton Park.
The speculation further suggested Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the former owner of Manchester City, was linked with the deal.
Sources
However, a statement on Portsmouth's official website read: "Following misleading articles in today's [Saturday] press, Portsmouth FC would like to confirm that neither Dr Thaksin Shinawatra or his advisor Pairoj Piempongsat are involved in funding Dr Sulaiman al Fahim's bid to buy the club.
"A representative for Dr Sulaiman al Fahim met with Premier League officials last week and confirmed that he is the sole purchaser of the football club and this will be verified by his lawyers.
"Pompey executive chairman Peter Storrie met Pairoj Piempongsat during his time at Manchester City some two years ago. Pairoj subsequently introduced Mr Storrie to Dr Sulaiman al Fahim and that is the extent of his involvement in the proposed takeover.
"Sir Dave Richards has had no role to play in the proposed takeover, other than providing advice in his role as chairman of the Premier League and to suggest otherwise undermines the excellent work he does in his position.
"These facts were all made clearly to the journalist concerned and were also verified by other sources but he chose to ignore them.
"Articles of this nature are unhelpful and we urge our supporters to ignore them and the newspapers concerned.
"The due diligence process for the purchase of the club is continuing well and should be completed by early July."
