Pompey speak out in Gaydamak row

Sep 23 2008

Portsmouth are adamant there is no dispute over Alexandre Gaydamak's ownership of the club and say they are "surprised" the Premier League have decided to seek further clarification of the matter.

Media reports in Israel, where Gaydamak, 32, and his father Arkadi are residents have claimed that it is actually the father, a reputed billionaire and controversial political figure, who is really the benefactor providing the cash after listing Pompey as one of his assets.

But a club spokesman said: "Alexandre Gaydamak is the 100% owner of the club and his father has never had any dealings with it."

The spokesman also pointed out that Arkadi's representatives have confirmed that while the Israeli newspaper's published list of the Gaydamak assets are accurate, it is a fact that some of them are owned by other members of the family and that "there is no connection between Arkadi and Portsmouth Football Club which his son owns".

Portsmouth have also confirmed they are happy to again provide full documentation to the Premier League over ownership but their spokesman insisted: "We are a little surprised that this issue has come up again because Alexandre Gaydamak owns the club 100% and nothing has changed."