Pompey dismiss Thaksin link

Portsmouth insist neither former Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra nor Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards is involved in the impending takeover of the club.

Property billionaire Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim is close to taking over at Fratton Park with due diligence set to be completed within the next month.

Newspaper reports claimed that former Thai prime minister Thaksin and Premier League supremo Richards had a role to play in the deal but a statement from Pompey said: "Portsmouth FC would like to confirm that neither Dr Thaksin Shinawatra nor his advisor Pairoj Piempongsat are involved in funding Dr Sulaiman al Fahim's bid to buy the club."

The statement continued: "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."

As for suggestions Richards has a role in the sale, Pompey stated: "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."

The statement concluded: "The due diligence process for the purchase of the club is continuing well and should be completed by early July."