Sports Latest
The latest UK & World sports news from the Press Association
Pompey to be deducted points
15:45, Mar 16 2010
The Premier League are set to confirm a nine-point deduction for Portsmouth on Wednesday, as the club's administrator revealed on Tuesday that talks with a takeover consortium have yet to lead to any proof of funds being produced.
League chiefs will meet administrator Andrew Andronikou ahead of a Wednesday board meeting where the points deduction is expected to be rubber-stamped.
The Premier League had been waiting for confirmation in the High Court that Portsmouth's administration was valid - and that happened on Tuesday after HM Revenue and Customs dropped their challenge. It means that the club, which owes £65million, will not face a winding up petition.
Andronikou does not intend to challenge the Premier League's rule on the nine-point deduction but will speak to them about it. He will also update the league on a proposed bid for the club by a group of unknown investors being fronted by property developer Rob Lloyd, best known for an appearance on Channel 4's The Secret Millionaire.
Andronikou met Lloyd following Portsmouth's defeat at Liverpool on Monday night and told the Cheshire-based businessman he needs to see proof of funds before taking any offer seriously.
Andronikou told Press Association Sport: "I met him after the game for the first time and discussed his interest in taking it forward. I take all interest seriously but he has to prove to us he has the credentials and the wherewithal to take it forward."
The fact that the investors' identities are being kept under wraps - Lloyd is not putting any money in himself - and that the takeover would be underwritten by a New York-based hedge fund has set alarm bells ringing, including with Pompey's current owner Balu Chainrai.
It is believed at least some of the consortium include South African investors who had expressed interest in buying the club from Chainrai before he decided to put it into administration but failed to demonstrate proof of their funds in time.
Andronikou said however it was too soon for him to judge the seriousness of the takeover bid.
"I have to make an assessment of the situation and until I have proof of funds I will not make any preconceived judgements about which investment vehicles are appropriate," he added.
Charnley inspires Wigan triumph 20:45, Feb 11 2012
Winger Josh Charnley scored a hat-trick of tries as Wigan bounced back from their shock opening home defeat by Huddersfield with a clinical 20-6 destruction of Stobart Super League champions Leeds. more
Spurs fans show Redknapp the love 20:45, Feb 11 2012
Tottenham's fans pleaded with Harry Redknapp to snub England and stay at White Hart Lane as the Spurs boss masterminded a brutal 5-0 hammering of Newcastle. more
France/Ireland clash called off 20:45, Feb 11 2012
Ireland's RBS 6 Nations clash with France has been postponed due to the weather conditions in Paris. more
Adebayor inspires Spurs romp 19:45, Feb 11 2012
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp ended an emotional week on a huge high as his team ruthlessly hammered Newcastle 5-0 at White Hart Lane. more
England claim narrow Italy victory 18:45, Feb 11 2012
England dug themselves out of a snow-hole in freezing Rome to beat Italy 19-15 with another charge-down try from Charlie Hodgson and Owen Farrell's perfect kicking display. more
Chelsea suffer defeat at Everton 17:45, Feb 11 2012
Steven Pienaar and Denis Stracqualursi struck as Everton piled on the pressure for Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas with a 2-0 victory. more
Late Henry winner rescues Arsenal 17:45, Feb 11 2012
Substitute Thierry Henry marked the final league game of his loan spell at Arsenal with a last-gasp winner to see off Sunderland 2-1. more
McArthur clinches Wigan victory 17:45, Feb 11 2012
James McArthur boosted Wigan's survival hopes with a dramatic goal which handed the Latics a 2-1 win over fellow Barclays Premier League strugglers Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. more
Williams inspires Quins win 17:45, Feb 11 2012
Harlequins returned to winning ways as winger Tom Williams helped orchestrate a 30-23 victory over London Irish which extended their lead at the top of the Aviva Premiership. more
Fleming and Hutchins put GB ahead 16:45, Feb 11 2012
Great Britain moved to within one rubber of a fifth consecutive Davis Cup win under captain Leon Smith after Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins beat Michal Mertinak and Filip Polasek of Slovakia at Glasgow's Braehead Arena. more
Cold snap affects sporting weekend 15:45, Feb 11 2012
The cold snap continued to wreak further havoc with the sporting calendar on Saturday after the npower Championship clash between Peterborough and West Ham was postponed due to a frozen pitch along with a number of League One and League Two matches. more
Rangers ease to win at Dunfermline 15:45, Feb 11 2012
Lee McCulloch grabbed his first goal of the season as Rangers fought back from behind to claim a 4-1 win and deny Dunfermline their first home victory of the season in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. more
