Pompey issue statement denying latest 'claims'

After the time and effort I took to write something on the latest 'claims' - it does prove that I, and the other writers here, take a lot of time, effort and put thought into most written for this site (to see the 'Nothing new but dirt - unproven at that' article click here) as it must have taken the best part of an hour to do so - Pompey then go and release an official statement.

Is it not time that these repeated claims are dealt with by actions? By actions I mean legal actions against those making them!

A statement was inevitable and I am glad it did come. This is what they said on the Pompey Site...

PLAY UP POMPEY!

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PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB STATEMENT

Following misleading articles in today's 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.

Update

Since the statement released by Pompey the premier league has also released a statement 'quashing' any suggestions of Sir Dave Richards acting 'inappropriately'.

This statement read: 'The Premier League wishes to respond to speculation regarding the role of its chairman Sir Dave Richards in the prospective acquisition of Portsmouth FC.

'The previous owners of Manchester City and their associates are well known to the owners and executives of Portsmouth FC from their time in the Premier League.

'It is a previously published fact that Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim invited Sir Dave Richards to meet him before the UEFA Champions League final in Rome at the end of May.

'Pairoj Piempongsat was present but, when the topic of Portsmouth FC was raised, Sir Dave Richards asked him to leave, which he duly did.

'Since that time Sir Dave Richards has been working appropriately with members of the Premier League executive to apply the relevant rules to the prospective acquisition of Portsmouth FC, including the Fit and Proper Persons Test and shareholder disclosure, making it abundantly clear that any involvement of Thaksin Shinawatra and his associates would not be permitted.'

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