Sheikh: Positive Outcome In 10 Days

Last updated : 30 November 2003 By Kevin Markey

The sheikh, who has been a fan for 25 years, has denied he was seeking to buy out the club himself.

"This is complete nonsense circulated by worldwide media agencies and I am personally embarrassed being embroiled with this affair," he told Bahraini daily newspaper Al-Ayam. "I have close ties with club president John McKenzie who updates me with the financial situation at the club that I love ever since I was a teenager. Anything more than that is just complete nonsense.

"I was in direct contact with Mr McKenzie during my last visit to England recently, and after being notified about the disastrous financial status of Leeds United, I have suggested to start negotiations with some of the main investors in the Gulf region in order to buy the club," he added.

"It is my honour to help out the club passing through this critical phase, now that they are threatened to get relegated from the Premiership. Negotiations with various parties in the Gulf region are still undergoing and I feel happy to be the main broker in this respect.

"All in all, I am hopeful in bringing out a positive outcome in the next 10 days to come.

"All what I can add at this stage is that I am committed to have the club back to where they belong, at least at the financial level, with no personal investment for the time being contemplated at Leeds United."