Dubai-based businessman Sulaiman al Fahim has been cleared to complete his purchase of Portsmouth after passing the Premier League’s fit and proper persons test, the club confirmed yesterday.
Al Fahim, 32, struck a deal to buy the club from current owner Alexandre Gaydamak in May before entering a period of legal and financial due diligence.
An official statement from the club said: “The Premier League can confirm that Mr Al Fahim has submitted all the documentation required to satisfy our fit and proper persons test. Based on the information provided the League has found no reason why Mr Al Fahim would be liable to be disqualified as a Director of a Premier League club. Accordingly we have advised Portsmouth FC that his appointment may proceed. As with all changes in club ownership the Premier League will continue to monitor any material changes in circumstance.”
The club confirmed that al Fahim has joined the Portsmouth board as chairman with immediate effect.
“I very much look forward to working closely with the club’s management and supporters to develop Portsmouth Football Club and deliver future success,” al Fahim said. The club has a long and fine history of achievement that I intend to build on.”
Al Fahim was the initial figurehead of the Abu Dhabi United Group when they took control of Manchester City last summer. He is no longer involved but did not drop his interest in the Premier League.
Earlier this year, al Fahim was reported to have inquired about buying Chelsea from Roman Abramovich as part of a group believed to have bid more than £700 million (US$1.15 billion).
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