Usmanov under interrogation

Uzbek minerals billionaire, Alisher Usmanov, who paid GBP 75 million for David Dein's 14.58 percent interest in English Arsenal, is talking with the police about his past and what his intentions are for the club.

Schillings, Usmanov's attorneys, have warned a number of self-regulating Arsenal supporters' websites and blogs to delete any accusations made against Usmanov by Craig Murray, the former British ambassador to Uzbekistan.

Usmanov, who claims he was a political prisoner and imprisoned under the old Soviet regime, says he was freed and granted a full pardon when Mikhail Gorbachev became president.

Schillings told the websites that Murray's charges were considered to be "false, indefensible and grossly defamatory."

Most have removed the accusations from their websites, but Murray has not heard from Usmanov's lawyers, though the hosts of Murray's website have complied with Schillings' demands.

Murray said that he has contacted Schillings to be sure they know where to send any court order.

Red & White, Usmanov's Arsenal investment company, has not met with the club, yet, but has bought more shares.

The club's results that come out next week are expected to show a financially solid situation, with as much as GBP 3 million generated by each match for the club.

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