17 Jun 2010Blackpool deny rumoured link to Kyrgyz exile

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Newly-promoted Blackpool have dismissed suggestions they are part-owned by the exiled son of Kyrgyzstan's former president, Kurmanbek Bakiyev.

Bakiyev was forced to flee the country in April after anti-government protesters seized control of official buildings and his son Maxim was held for questioning by the UK Border Agency - under orders from Interpol - after arriving in Britain this week.

According to the Independent, the 33-year-old's representatives have claimed he owns a stake in the Lancashire club through his connection to Latvian director Valery Belokon, but chairman Karl Oyston has moved to deny the reports.

"I know that Valery Belokon is operating in Kyrgyzstan," he said. "It's quite natural that he would know all the political players there, but to my knowledge [Bakiyev] has never even been to a Blackpool match."

Last month, Belokon told the Times that Blackpool will not spend "obscene money" in their efforts to retain their English Premier League spot next season.

Written by Terry Mitchell

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