The Spoiler finds out more about Portsmouth’s new owner
When Portsmouth owner Sulaiman Al-Fahim (pictured) realised he didn’t even have enough money to buy a shirt that fits him properly, he sold 90 per cent of his share in the south coast club to Ali Al-Faraj. Keen to discover more about the mystery Saudi Arabian businessman, The Spoiler went in search of some facts. Then, we wrote them down and published them, Because we’re nice like that…
Al-Faraj is forty years old, he is a Saudi property investor, and he is “a huge supporter of the English Premiership”. Crucially, he is also the figurehead of the super powerful Al-Faraj family. Said power is fuelled by a healthy stake in behemoth petroleum peddler SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation). The billion-dollar company manufactures chemicals, fertilisers, plastic and metals and is a major player in the Saudi region.
While Sulaiman Al-Fahim desperately tries to raise his profile by posing with Pamela Anderson and fronting the UAE’s crappy version of The Apprentice, Al-Faraj is notoriously private, shunning almost all media attention. Very little is known about his personal life and he has never been photographed for publicity purposes. Here’s a candid shot of him.
Brits aren’t the only ones who have never heard of Al-Faraj - his fellow Saudis haven’t either. Dr Hafez Almedlej, chairman of the Saudi Professional League, said: “I’ve never heard of him.
Argentinean could challenge third party ownership under EU law
It takes Wengeresque brain power to fully understand the intricacies of the Carlos Tevez transfer situation, but here are the bare facts: the Argentinian’s registration is owned by a third party named Media Sports Investments (MSI), the founder and president of which is his advisor Kia Joorabchian. His contract with MSI means he is not allowed to agree to anything without their consent. Manchester Utd have paid between £6m and £10m during his two year ‘loan deal’ at Old Trafford, and in order to secure his services next year, they will have to make up the rest of his £32m valuation.
The Sun’s Ian McGarry, however, suggests that Utd should not have to shell out a hefty transfer fee to keep their wet dog-alike: citing EU law, the journalist purports that Tevez can sign for the club any time he wants, provided his own personal terms are met.
Former Thai Premier enters the world of loathed moneymen
The big news today is that Sven-Goran Eriksson is being sent back to the land that gave us flat-packed furniture, following a crisis meeting with Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra. The announcement has proven to be very unpopular with players and fans alike, and has put the former Thai Prime Minister among petrol prices, terrorism and Danielle Lloyd in the popularity stakes.
But is the meddling Eastern billionaire the worst owner in the Premier League? Or perhaps those clowns at Anfield get your vote? Let us know below, please.
Loading ...