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Dubai tycoon would rather buy Charlton than get Hammered
Andrew Hodgson14 Oct 2008
Dubai tycoon Mohammed Al Hashimi today insisted he would rather buy Charlton than West Ham.
Hashimi's company Zabeel Investments is in advanced negotiations about a £50 million takeover at the Valley, but have also been linked with a move for the Hammers, whose chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is under financial pressure due to the credit crunch.
Although Zabeel considered a number of English clubs before deciding to pursue Charlton, a spokesman for Hashimi today insisted that not even a phone call has been made to Upton Park since last Friday's announcement of “an indicative offer” for the south London club.
The spokesman added: “There is no truth to reports that Zabeel Investments made an approach to West Ham yesterday.
“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.
“Zabeel Investments is currently in the due diligence phase of its offer to Charlton Athletic”
Gudmundsson, who was reported to have rejected Zabeel's interest, has seen his personal finances badly hit by the collapse of Landsbanki, Iceland's second-biggest bank, in which he was a large shareholder.
The fall-out has led to speculation that West Ham - which cost Gudmundsson £85million two years ago - could be sold.
Meanwhile, the Hammers are said to be close to securing a new £4m-a-year shirt sponsorship deal. The club have been without a sponsor since the collapse of travel company XL last month.
West Ham also plan to appeal to the High Court this week against the ruling that they must pay compensation to Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez affair.
An independent tribunal ruled in United's favour last month, leaving West Ham open to a claim in excess of £30m from the Championship club. The club have also asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to examine the decision.
Reader views (9)
with the arabs already buying up england, a few football clubs would not make much difference.
- Charlie George, ilford england, 14/10/2008 22:53
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My God, they'll almost be as big a powerhouse as QPR. I dare say the pair of them will be beating Man U and Chelsea to all the silverware for the next 100 years
- Richard, London, 14/10/2008 20:24
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Thanks to the professionalism of the board, it's likely to go through. I'm delighted for the fans, club and players and small is always beautiful.
- Redmark, London, 14/10/2008 18:12
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It just goes to show that the 'sleeping giant' of football is being awaken by the money-men of the Middle East. I am looking forward to the return of Scott Parker and Darren Bent to join the likes of Messi and Co down the Valley.
- B, Bournemouth, 14/10/2008 16:14
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The "Charlton brand"?? What on earth has happened to football?
- Bill Prosser, Bookham Surrey, 14/10/2008 15:04
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I cant believe that CAFC are getting this sort of attention. When I heard I had to leave school early and get home to Mother as quickly as possible. She made me Chicken soup and I then felt better.
- Heb7:4, Croydon, 14/10/2008 14:13
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Fantastic news. Looks like we are going to be the biggest club in London!
- Johncafc, Biggleswade, 14/10/2008 14:11
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Just wondering who said what at West Ham United that made "Zabeel" make this comment. Surely theres no skullduggery going on , and a big club like West Ham getting alittle jealous of "smalltime Charlton Athletic ?
- Paul Harley, Sydenham, England, 14/10/2008 13:30
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This is simply wonderful news for the Charlton brand. We can attract better players for our customers and become a true giant in world soccer. I almost fell off my unicycle when I heard the news.
- Charltondan, Kent, 14/10/2008 13:17
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