Portsmouth chairman Sulaiman Al Fahim has had an arrest warrant issued against him in his native Dubai.
Businessman claims he is "victim"
Portsmouth chairman Sulaiman Al Fahim has had an arrest warrant issued against him in his native Dubai over an unpaid debt, it has emerged.
A newspaper in the country claims Al Fahim owes £1.4m following a dispute over a property venture with an investor from Azerbaijan.
The National claims a judge ruling in January 2009 put a daily rate of interest on the debt at nine per cent after proceedings started against the property tycoon.
This means the debt now stands at around £65m, with reports circulating the 31-year-old has moved all of his funds out of the UAE (United Arab Emirates).
Al Fahim, who bought troubled Portsmouth from Alexandre Gaydamak last year, said he had done nothing wrong and branded the warrant "rubbish".
He said in a report: "My lawyers are currently handling the matter and I am positive it will be resolved very soon.
"First let's be clear this is actually a civil case and not a criminal case, and one that has been running for some time.
"It is rubbish - I am not involved, I am the victim here. I have done absolutely nothing wrong and that will be shown in a very short time.
"Look, I am the victim, I am innocent. I believe in the UAE judiciary system led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. I know that it is a fair system, one I have great faith in, and that I can clear my name."
Although Pompey are now owned by Balram Chainrai, Al Fahim's company - Al Fahim Asia Associates Limited - still holds a 10% stake in the club.
Al Fahim's role at the club is non-executive, and the warrant applies in Dubai, rather than internationally.
