The Dubai company Zabeel Investments today denied they had made a bid to buy the English Premier League's "crisis" club West Ham United. According to UK media reports, Zabeel, believed to have assets under management of Dh21billion (US$6bn), have been in talks with the current West Ham owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, who was last week removed as the chairman of Iceland's second biggest bank, Landsbanki, after they went into receivership.
The East London club denied they are for sale, but - because of Gudmundsson's financial situation - media speculation has suggested that the club he bought two years ago for £85million (Dh544.7m) are looking for new owners. In a statement sent out last weekend, Zabeel Investments said they were in negotiations with another London club, Charlton Athletic, who play in the Championship, but reports today alleged they had now turned their attention to the east side of the River Thames.
But in a statement released today, Zabeel said there was "no truth" to the reports that they made an approach to West Ham Football Club. "Zabeel Investments has not approached any club since it made an indicative offer for Charlton Athletic last Friday, nor has it authorised any approach on its behalf," the statement read. "Zabeel Investments has had no contact at any time with Amanda Staveley.
"Zabeel Investments is currently in the due diligence phase of its offer to Charlton Athletic and it is therefore inappropriate to comment further at this stage," it added. sports@thenational.ae
