Pompey threaten to sue over ban

CRISIS-HIT Portsmouth are threatening to sue the Premier League over the transfer ban imposed on the cash-strapped club.

Pompey, whose match against Birmingham on Saturday was called off because of a waterlogged Fratton Park pitch, are also expected to find out today if they have won their battle to prevent the club from being wound up.

Pompey are currently banned from operating in the January transfer window because of outstanding debts to other clubs. They also had £7million of TV money handed direct to those debtors by the Premier League.

But now the club are trying to force the Premier League to relax the restrictions so they can bring in loan players. Chief executive Peter Storrie said: “We have issued a legal letter to the Premier League to demand that the transfer embargo should be lifted.

“They have absolutely no right to withhold TV money in advance of future payments or payments to foreign clubs.”

Portsmouth have failed to pay their players’ wages on time on three occasions this season and are thought to owe former owner Alexandre Gaydamak £28million.

Meanwhile, the High Court in London is due to make a ruling today on an appeal by Portsmouth against the winding up petition, which was lodged by the UK Revenue and Customs.

The petition was issued over £5.5m in unpaid PAYE income tax, Vat and National Insurance payments.