Fiszman calms Arsenal trust fears

Danny Fiszman, the largest shareholder at English Arsenal, said there should be no doubt about his long-term intentions with the club.

With Uzbek businessman Alisher Usmanov the latest interested overseas buyer, Fiszman's 24.1 percent stake in the club would be key to a takeover, whether that attempt came from Usmanov, Stan Kroenke of the U.S., or anyone else. Fiszman has put a moratorium on selling until April 2008, but has indicated he wants to remain beyond that.

Usmanov's Red and White company claim no takeover plans, but it is looking to increase its shares after buying David Dein's 14.58 percent.

"Regardless of the size of my stake, I am ready to play an active role in the life of the club," Usmanov told the Daily Telegraph.

The club's supporters' trust wants to meet with Usmanov to gauge his intentions.

"The Arsenal Supporters' Trust welcomed Danny Fiszman's reassurances that he intends to continue with Arsenal," said Trust chief Tim Payton. "Arsenal is about its history and supporters. Any action by (Usmanov) must recognise this. The AST has already told Red and White that we expect them to work with, not against the Arsenal board. A hostile bid is not welcome."

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.