Thaksin strikes back in assets row

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra says he is determined to clear his name as closes in on taking control of Manchester City.

His lawyers have revealed various charges had been laid against members of the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) by Thaksin and his wife Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra.

The committee was set up by the military junta when they seized power last September to look into allegations of corruption by Thaksin and his government.

He has claimed his innocence but the accusations in Thailand have tended to overshadow his bid to take control at City.

Thaksin could secure the necessary 75% of the shareholding this week, which would allow him to de-list the company.

It would also enable him to appoint a new manager. It is understood former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has agreed a three-year deal in principle.

However, Thaksin has become increasingly irritated by allegations of wrongdoing in Thailand and seeing his assets frozen.

In a statement, his lawyers said: “The sole purpose of the AEC is to sabotage any action by Dr Thaksin Shinawatra. Various actions taken by the AEC were illegal, unfair and against the principle of the rule of law.

“Therefore, Dr Thaksin Shinawatra and his family have no alternative but to take all necessary legal actions to protect himself and his family’s reputation and prestige.”

Meanwhile, former Sports Minister Richard Caborn believes the Premier League’s fit and proper test for major investors is bang up to date.

The landscape of England’s top flight has changed dramatically in recent years through money from rich foreign businessmen.

It has led to concerns, however, that clubs will begin to lose touch with the communities they serve.

Caborn insists there are procedures in place to prevent that happening.

“You have got to make sure there is a transparency and clubs are run in proper way,” he told Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek programme.

“If you look at the Premier League, in the last four to six years they have looked to continue bringing rules into place.

“The rules that apply [in football] are higher than they would be for a normal company. If you not a director but own more than 30% then it has to be declared. Then that person is vetted. The Football League also has articles in place. Football is working together on this one.

“Do we stop foreign investment into British sport? At the moment, that is not the case and I would not want that to change.”