Al Fahim ‘completes’ Portsmouth takeover

After 56 days Pompey fans were able to sigh for relief, as ‘Dr’ Sulaiman Al Fahim and Portsmouth Football Club reached an ‘agreement in principle’ over the sale of the club, to Al Fahim Asia Associates.

As a result of this ‘agreement in principle’, Sulaiman Al Fahim, sole owner and chairman of Al Fahim Asia Associates joined the existing four-member board of Portsmouth Football Club as chairman with immediate effect.

Early newspaper reports on Saturday morning were confirmed to be true, when the Premier League announced Al Fahim had passed its ‘fit and proper persons’ test, deemed fit to control a Premier League club. The ‘doctor’ is the first man to pass the new ‘fit and proper person’ test since its increased regulation process.

Upon speaking to the club’s official website Al Fahim said: ‘I very much look forward to working closely with the club’s management and supporters to develop Portsmouth Football Club and deliver future success.

‘The club has a long and fine history of achievement that I intend to build on,’ the new chairman added.

It was announced at the same time that current chief executive officer Peter Storrie, would remain in his role and act as an adviser. Storrie believes the takeover has brought much ‘stability.’

Storrie said: ‘This appointment brings stability to the club and is excellent news for Pompey supporters.

‘I have every reason to believe that together with the new chairman we will be able to take the club forward to further achievements building on the successes of the past three years,’ he added.

Although the takeover is yet to officially go through, it is expected to be finalised within the next two weeks. Former chairman and owner Sasha Gaydamark will remain on the club’s board to provide ‘stability’. However, some suggest he is remaining to pick up his share of the money from Peter Crouch’s looming transfer, to either Tottenham Hotspur or Fulham.

Upon the finalisation of the takeover in a fortnight’s time, Al-Fahim is expected to hold a press conference, outlining his ambitions for the club.