Al Fayed commits to Fulham
By Kaveh Solhekol

MOHAMED AL FAYED responded to reports that he was negotiating to sell Fulham by issuing a statement last night emphasising his commitment to the club.

The Fulham chairman was reported to be on verge of selling his controlling interest in the Barclays Premiership club to John Wallis, an internet gambling tycoon, but Al Fayed dismissed the claim out of hand. "My position remains clear - since 1997, I have invested well over £130 million in Fulham FC with the long-term aim of seeing it established among the world’s very best," he said. "I am as committed to that dream as I have always been. This club is not for sale - period."

Chris Coleman, the manager, insisted that Wallis was in discussions with the club only regarding possible sponsorship opportunities.

"John Wallis is a Fulham supporter but he has no interest in buying the club," Coleman said. "The most he wants to do is something to do with marketing, but there is no truth in the story that he is buying Fulham."