The former owner was sentenced to five years in prison for stealing £5m to buy Pompey, but the man who fronted the purchase of Manchester City of 2008 still appear to appreciate the Fratton faithful.
His ownership of Pompey, which coincided with the club’s financial collapse, lasted less than six weeks.
Later, Sulaiman Al-Fahim was given a five-year prison term for robbing his wife of £5 million to finance his 2009 purchase, which put the Blues in danger.
Even though the disgraced Dubai figure was allegedly attacked by some of his supporters in Reading in 2011, Al-Fahim’s enthusiasm for Pompey seems unabated. Following the victory over Bolton, which was aired on Sky Sports, that became evident this morning when the 46-year-old uploaded video of Fratton Park dancing.
It’s unclear who the people in the accompanying photo are that were posted, or if Al-Fahim is the man behind the camera filming the first-half video from Milton End with Pompey on the attack.
However, a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Al Fahim, who wrote, “Great night at Fratton last night,” suggests that the man was also found guilty of forgery, using forged documents, and aiding and abetting. Fantastic performance. PUP.
It’s safe to say that the remarks endorsing a fully engaged Fratton Park elicited a somewhat divided response. Among the responses that can be published, @PompeyLeftie added, “How was prison? Please don’t return. @AR11_1898 joked, “I hear Havant and Waterlooville are up for sale,” while @MIkePompey asked, “You not been banned yet?” with a rat emoji.
@rickstrang said something like, “Oh come on everyone; you’re being a bit harsh,” with a fair amount of sarcasm. Which real fan hasn’t taken five million pounds out of your wife’s handbag to purchase the team?
It wasn’t all negative, though, coming from someone who has said he’s been treated fairly by Pompey supporters he’s met since his disastrous ownership tenure. ‘It’s great that you still love the place,’ @SwaggaJaggon replied. Pompey, get moving! @Honourable_HB continued, saying, “I’m glad you had a great time.” PUP.
In an interview with The News last year, former Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie called Al-Fahim a “unbelievable character” who was “passionate” about the Blues. Though it will be up for debate 15 years after his disastrous 41-day tenure at Fratton, Al-Fahim’s admiration for the Fratton faithful appears to have not diminished.
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