Sulaiman al Fahim was today given the green light to complete his takeover of English club Portsmouth by the Premier League after passing their stringent fit and proper persons test. The Premier League confirmed that after months of legal and financial due diligence, Mr al Fahim has been cleared to conclude his purchase of the South coast club from owner Alexandre Gaydamak. Portsmouth has announced he will join the club's existing four-member board with immediate effect. An official statement said: "The Premier League can confirm that Mr al Fahim has submitted all the documentation required to satisfy our fit and proper persons test. "Based on the information provided the League has found no reason why Mr al Fahim would be liable to be disqualified as a Director of a Premier League club. "Accordingly we have advised Portsmouth FC that his appointment may proceed. "As with all changes in club ownership the Premier League will continue to monitor any material changes in circumstance." Mr al Fahim is the first person to pass the Premier League's new fit and proper test. A statement on the club's website from Mr al Fahim read: "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 and I intend to build on." Mr Gaydamak had announced last December he was looking for a buyer because he was unable to devote sufficient time to the club. Mr al Fahim was involved in helping Sheikh Mansour and the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) acquire Manchester City in the summer of 2008 but has since severed all ties with City.
sluckings@thenational.ae *with Agencies
