Portsmouth FC could close its doors, a statement on the club’s website confirmed, though the tone of the announcement portrayed a negotiating tactic rather than the solemn pronouncement of a terminal club. Perhaps that’s the frustration of a long, drawn-out fight to save the South Coast club. It could also be public relations.
Portsmouth, Taking Alexandre Gaydamak Negotiations Public, Claims Club Could Be Closed Down
According to a statement released on PFC’s web site, an agreement to move the club out of administration has been derailed by former owner Alexandre Gaydamak’s demands concerning how money he’s owed will be repaid. Based on what can be inferred from the announcement, an agreement had been in place between club administrators and the former owner; however, Gaydamak now wants more of this owed money up-front, a demand the club is unable to meet.
In response, Portsmouth’s released a demonizing statement, outlining alleged reneging on promises while highlighting the role Gaydamak played in pushing the club into administration and out of the Premier League. According to the club, work on the part of administrators and the Football League will go for naught due to Gaydamak’s demands:
This has now been undermined by the self-interested actions of one individual. Mr Gaydamak has provided confirmation several times that terms were agreed. However, he has continually changed his position in an attempt to exploit the goodwill of the other parties to the transaction.
According to the statement, should Gaydamak continue with this course, the club will be closed down:
It is neither in the interests of the club nor its unsecured creditors for such a ransom payment to be made, particularly where the payment is being demanded by one of the authors of the club’s current circumstances.
In addition, and equally importantly, all of the business plans submitted and approved by the Football League would be fundamentally damaged by such a requirement placed on the club by Mr Gaydamak.
We will provide further information as soon as possible.
However, it appears likely that the club will now be closed down and liquidated by the Administrators as they are unable to support the continued trading of the club.
If you read these quotes and detect more aggression than resignation, you’re picking up the tone projected throughout the club’s release. Portsmouth may very well go away soon, but this release is not the work of a group trying to explore every last option. This is a salvo, and possibly public relations. Perhaps it’s an inappropriate tactic to employ at this time, but it’s still a tactic.
See More:
