Pompey takeover on track

20 July 2009 12:26
Sulaiman Al Fahim's proposed takeover of Portsmouth remains on course despite suggestions the deal was in doubt. The property tycoon is in the advanced stages of negotiations to secure control of the Fratton Park outfit and has moved to reassure supporters the deal is progressing as planned. And the Premier League have moved to reject reports that claimed they were ready to veto the deal as they study Al Fahim's bid and his application to pass the 'fit and proper persons' test. Ivo Ilic Gabara, spokesman for the prospective new owner of the South Coast club, rejected rumours the move was in jeopardy, although he could still not give a date for when the matter would be finalised. Gabara told the Portsmouth News: "It is nonsense to suggest the deal has fallen through. "I can confirm that it is still on track and both parties are doing their best in the best interests of the club, players and supporters. "The deal is still on, absolutely, and both parties are actively engaged in discussions. "I cannot say when it will be finalised. I have always said it's not completed until it has been completed. But Sulaiman Al Fahim is still on track to buy Portsmouth Football Club." And Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson gave Pompey fans further good news as he insisted newspaper reports of a possible rejection of the deal were wide of the mark. He added: "We have seen these newspaper reports but have not given anybody any indication of which way it will come down. "We are working through the paperwork and submissions and it is an on-going process. We have never given a specific time-frame. "We are working to try to complete everything as quickly as possible to the best of our intentions before we are in a definitive position. "It is more important to do it right than quickly and that is our approach until we are satisfied with every single element."

Source: SKY_Sports