In England, there exists “fit and proper person” safeguards implemented by the country’s soccer association that help prevents clubs from being taken over by, well, the wrong sort of person. But what are they? When was the last time they were used? To revisit those standards, English Sports Minister Richard Caborn organized a mandatory meeting between English soccer’s big three: the Football Association, the Premier League and the Football League.
One consequence of the meeting will be closer collaboration between English soccer and government officials. The Premier League told the British Foreign Office and the Department of Trade and Industry that it was soliciting information “that would help us make an informed judgement about a prospective buyer” — especially high-profile political persons like Thaksin Shinawatra, who’s in the midst of trying to takeover Manchester City.
The deposed Thai prime minister currently has assets totaling $1.7 billion that were frozen following a military coup in his homeland, where he faces various charges of corruption. Thaksin was given a court date of July 26 to face those charges, but refuses to return fearing for his safety. If convicted, the Premier League would be called upon to decide whether he fits the so-called “fit and proper person” test. Meanwhile, Thaksin refuses to disclose his source of funding as he scoops up Man City shares, and will likely complete his takeover before the court date.