Takeover caused Pompey pay delay

PORTSMOUTH executive directors are close to securing funding for wages owed to players – but new owner Sulaiman al Fahim has been told refinancing the club and paying staff on time is ultimately his responsibility.

Pompey’s chaotic season took a new twist when some players were not paid this week and promised their money by the weekend, the latest episode in a takeover that has been surrounded by uncertainty.

The reason for the delay was explained as “a delay in the transfer of funds” after banks demanded the television receipts and profits from the last transfer window – meaning Al Fahim needs to refinance the club.