Thaksin could quit City board

City owner in new pledge

Last updated: 23rd August 2008

Thaksin Shinawatra April 2008

Shinawatra: Could leave board

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Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has offered to resign from the club's board, according to executive chairman Garry Cook.

The former prime minister of Thailand flew to Britain last week instead of returning to his homeland to face court charges.

Because of his problems in Thailand, many are calling into question his future at City.

The Premier League are also looking into the situation amid claims that Shinawatra could fail the 'fit and proper person test' for involvement in a top-flight club.

"Dr Thaksin is embarrassed about the indignity brought on all the entities - the club, the Premier League - he never intended this," said Cook.

"Dr Thaksin has been really open about this. He has said to me, 'if you need me to resign from the football club as a director, because it would serve the needs of the Premier League, then I'm fine with that as long as that doesn't change any other thing'.

"I think there is a very loose term about what is 'fit and proper'. It is almost a tongue-in-cheek term that you would use for Premier League football over the last 10 years. There are plenty of unfit and improper individuals."

Financial issues

Cook also admitted Thaksin does have financial constraints - his assets have been frozen in Thailand - but denied it will be a major problem for City.

"Dr Thaksin is in a political situation and a case that affects his assets, so that's well documented. So that's a hurdle," Cook said.

"The truth of it is this club is not going to go out of business. This club is not bankrupt. We're moving forward."

Cook revealed Thaksin will not be present when City host West Ham on Sunday because of fears for his safety.

"He wants to be at this ground on Sunday but he is hearing advice about being in a public space," Cook added.