Al Fahim excited by Pompey deal

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Property tycoon Sulaiman Al Fahim is due to complete his takeover within the next few weeks following a period of formal financial and legal due diligence.

"I'm excited about the club, and I've signed the memorandum," said Al Fahim, who was in Rome to watch Manchester United's 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday.

Speaking to Abu Dhabi newspaper, The National, he added: "I was involved in the Manchester City purchase, but this one is now mine."

Al Fahim is planning a firm hands-on role, in contrast to current owner Alexandre Gaydamak who has been unable to devote the time he would have liked to Pompey, forcing him to seek a buyer.

Al Fahim, who is planning to travel to Britain "every weekend" to watch Portsmouth in action, confirmed some of his plans for the club.

He added: "I will develop the football academy there to develop local talent, as well as try to bring in some new players and set up relationships with clubs in Europe, Asia and Africa."

Al Fahim has been warned it will take a considerable portion of his vast wealth to help transform Portsmouth after the club's battle to beat relegation this season.

Nigel Tressider, chairman of the official Portsmouth FC supporters club, said: "It's fantastic news.

"He will be welcomed with open arms by the terrific Portsmouth fans. I don't think he would have bought the club unless he has enough money to put it on the right track, and that is going to take a lot of money, hundreds of millions of pounds."