Ciggy wrote:Gillett, Hicks, Thaksin called to appear before British parliamentary inquiry
2 hours ago http://canadianpress.google.com/article....oz04r7A
LONDON — The Premier League's most antagonistic foreign owners have been invited to appear before a British parliamentary inquiry.
Liverpool's feuding American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr., along with Manchester City's Thaksin Shinawatra, have been asked to appear before the All Party Parliamentary Football Group.
The British lawmakers are investigating the problems involving governance in English football - particularly fans' concerns over foreign owners and their increasing influence.
Hicks and Gillett could use one of the hearings in the fall to air their grievances with each other since taking over Liverpool last year. Gillett also owns the NHL's Montreal Canadiens.
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina echoed fans' concerns Tuesday about the club's financial situation, including substantial debts.
"Things aren't especially good (economically)," Reina told The Associated Press at Spain's training camp at the European Championship.
"You hope that everything comes into order (off the field) but there is little to say, since we can do little."
Accounts released earlier this month showed that the sports tycoons, who gained control in March 2007, had net losses of 33 million pounds (then C$67 million) by July 31, 2007.
Reds chief executive Rick Parry, whose resignation was demanded by Hicks in defiance of Gillett, has also been invited to testify.
Alan Keen, the inquiry's chairman, is concerned that the boardroom brawl has overshadowed the team's endeavours on the pitch.
Thaksin had a smooth first year in charge at Man. City, until removing manager Sven-Goran Eriksson earlier this month in what he admitted was a "ruthless" action after only one season following the club's ninth-place finish.
Thaksin, who has been accused of human rights abuses before being ousted as Thai prime minister, would be subjected to questions relating to the Premier League's "fit and proper person" test.
While Hicks, Gillett and Thaksin have been the source of fans' fury, Aston Villa fans have embraced Randy Lerner, who also owns the NFL's Cleveland Browns, and has been invited to tell of his success story.
The 13 legislators and peers also want Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho to discuss his relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. Mourinho left Chelsea last September after his relationship with the Russian billionaire deteriorated.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter and his UEFA counterpart Michel Platini have also received invitations.
http://canadianpress.google.com/article....oz04r7A
WoW !
. Sucks that there is no movement or even a hint of rumors.
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