Gaydamak ready to sell Portsmouth
Monday, 8 December 2008
Portsmouth owner Alexandre Gaydamak has put the club up for sale, BBC reports.
The 32-year-old Franco-Russian businessman cited growing business commitments for his decision.
He told the Sunday Mirror: "I have come to realise over a period of time that I can no longer invest the time required to oversee the running of the club."
However, Gaydamak said he will not sell to anyone without a guarantee they will commit to funding a new stadium and training ground for the club.
Recent reports have suggested that a South African consortium has been in discussions over an acquisition of the club, but Portsmouth have issued a categorical denial.
Portsmouth insist that while the consortium expressed an interest a number of weeks ago, no offer has been received and there has been no further contact.
However, Gaydamak revea-led that he has rejected two offers for the club.
"I didn't feel the buyers' motives were in the best interests of the club's long-term future," he said.
"Making money from the sale of the club does not interest me. Finding the right buyer is far more important."
Gaydamak became co-owner of Portsmouth, alongside then-chairman Milan Mandaric, in January 2006.
He immediately pumped about £20m into the club, which enabled then-manager Harry Redknapp to make a host of signings to help save the club from relegation.
The 32-year-old Franco-Russian businessman cited growing business commitments for his decision.
He told the Sunday Mirror: "I have come to realise over a period of time that I can no longer invest the time required to oversee the running of the club."
However, Gaydamak said he will not sell to anyone without a guarantee they will commit to funding a new stadium and training ground for the club.
Recent reports have suggested that a South African consortium has been in discussions over an acquisition of the club, but Portsmouth have issued a categorical denial.
Portsmouth insist that while the consortium expressed an interest a number of weeks ago, no offer has been received and there has been no further contact.
However, Gaydamak revea-led that he has rejected two offers for the club.
"I didn't feel the buyers' motives were in the best interests of the club's long-term future," he said.
"Making money from the sale of the club does not interest me. Finding the right buyer is far more important."
Gaydamak became co-owner of Portsmouth, alongside then-chairman Milan Mandaric, in January 2006.
He immediately pumped about £20m into the club, which enabled then-manager Harry Redknapp to make a host of signings to help save the club from relegation.