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Discuss this article (2 Comments)You've got the wrong man
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Monday, 15 June 2009
It’s always amusing to read my name in the newspapers, especially over things I have nothing whatsoever to do with. I am used to it, but it doesn’t get any less frustrating.
And so it is the case once again over the past few days. Depending which papers you read, mostly in the British press, I am now, it would appear, behind the takeover of Portsmouth FC. I am funding the whole deal, it is being claimed, or if not, am somehow involved behind the scenes.
So let me set the record straight for all my friends in the media: I have nothing to do with Portsmouth FC in any shape or form. It isn’t me, it never has been. I hope that this clarifies the position once and for all.
As I am sure you know, I was the previous owner of Manchester City Football Club. It was a club I was very proud to own, and was not keen to sell.
In July last year I was contacted by representatives of the Abu Dhabi United Group, at the time led by Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim. They showed me a very attractive proposal to take over the club, one which would undoubtedly take it to a higher level.
As a result of the sale, I naturally became acquainted with Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim. He is a businessman I greatly admire, and have met and spoken with several times. I consider him a close friend.
Earlier this year he told me he was looking to invest in a Premier League club himself. I gave him some advice and wished him well – that was the end of the conversation.
Myself and Dr Sulaiman have spoken many times since about football, though our discussion has been on whether Diego Maradona is a better footballer than Lionel Messi.
Indeed, a journalist from Arabian Business has even joined us once during these heated debates over dinner. No mention was ever made of Portsmouth, or any other Premier League club.
I first found out about the takeover on May 27, when I read it on the Arabian Business website.
It is correct that some of my associates may have helped with the introductions for Dr Sulaiman. Why not? I know a lot of people in soccer, and was more than happy to pass on any contacts I could. That doesn’t make them investors. Again, I am not involved, nor are my associates.
During the last two years, I have become involved in a number of new fields, particular health and education. I am working on new initiatives that I hope will one day lead to better standards in both this areas across not just the Gulf but the world.
My biggest passion right now is to try and rid the world of poverty, through many detailed initiatives I have been discussing with several governments.
Given his own humanitarian efforts, it is likely that myself and Dr Sulaiman will work together on some of these projects in the future. But football? Me? Again? No, no and no.
I wish Dr Sulaiman the very best of luck with Portsmouth. I think it is a club with great potential, and one that I believe he will do an excellent job of developing. And I will be watching the club’s future every step of the way – from my television screen.
READERS' COMMENTS
Disclaimer: The views expressed here by our readers are not necessarily shared by ArabianBusiness.com or its employees.
Higher Stature..doesn't award higher intellect..
Posted by Trojan, London, UK on Thursday 16 July 2009 at 17:04 UAE time
How come third world countries produce nothing but wealthy people to startle all..? Then how come third world countries are third..??
America is a very rich third world country. look how its poor are treated
Posted by Trojan, London, UK on Thursday 16 July 2009 at 17:04 UAE time
How come third world countries produce nothing but wealthy people to startle all..? Then how come third world countries are third..??
America is a very rich third world country. look how its poor are treated
Higher Stature..doesn't award higher intellect..
Posted by Kaptain, Honululu, Miami on Wednesday 17 June 2009 at 09:17 UAE time
Rulers of any country should be smart enough to counter the media with apt through efficient intelligence..which was not seen in this piece of justifications..
Amassing such a fortune leading to dream about acquiring ownership rights of most expensive entities in this world, is so uncommon in the West, no former British or American president has come forward with assets in multi-millions.
How come third world countries produce nothing but wealthy people to startle all..? Then how come third world countries are third..??
Posted by Kaptain, Honululu, Miami on Wednesday 17 June 2009 at 09:17 UAE time
Rulers of any country should be smart enough to counter the media with apt through efficient intelligence..which was not seen in this piece of justifications..
Amassing such a fortune leading to dream about acquiring ownership rights of most expensive entities in this world, is so uncommon in the West, no former British or American president has come forward with assets in multi-millions.
How come third world countries produce nothing but wealthy people to startle all..? Then how come third world countries are third..??
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