25 Sep 2008Premier League satisfied with Pompey ownership

Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

The Premier League has released a statement which confirms that it is satisfied that Alexandre Gaydamak is the lawful owner of Portsmouth.

Reports had surfaced suggesting that his controversial father Arkadi - who has faced allegations that he was involved in arms trading to Angola in the 1990s - counts the Fratton Park side as one of his assets.

However, the Premier League has since contacted the club and is now satisfied that Alexandre is the legitimate owner and that he passes the 'fit and proper persons' test.

A statement read: "In response to recent press speculation regarding the ownership of Portsmouth Football Club, the Premier League can confirm we have re-examined the current position, found there to be no variance with information already on record and therefore are able to reconfirm that Alexandre Gaydamak is the ultimate beneficial owner of Portsmouth Football Club."

Arkadi, 56, who currently owns Israeli side Beitar Jerusalem, had an outstanding international arrest warrant against him when former owner Milan Mandaric sold Pompey in January 2006.

© Copyright