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Man City boss plays down Thaksin fears

12/08/2008

Manchester City's executive chairman Gary Cook says that the club's stability is not affected by the uncertainty around the future of owner Thaksin Shinawatra.

Shinawatra chose to return to the UK, rather than face trial in his native Thailand where his assets, which total £800 million, are still being frozen.

A warrant for his arrest has been issued in Thailand and the Premier League says he may take its 'fit and proper person test' to see if he can own a club.

But Cook insists that things will carry on as normal at the City of Manchester stadium.

"City's future is not in jeopardy. In the short term it's business as usual," Cook told the Manchester Evening News.

"He's willing to look at whatever it takes to make City a great club."

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore stated on Tuesday that the Premier League will invoke its fit and proper person test if they feel their rules have been breached.

The rule states that "any director of a club is automatically disqualified if convicted of one of a number of offences by a 'competent court' anywhere in the world."

"(But) we have a club owner who has not yet been found guilty of any offence," Scudamore said.

"We will not turn a blind eye to issues of a serious nature, but it is quite a complex matter and we can't just make a judgement on the spot."

Thaksin is currently facing charges of corruption and abuse of power in Thailand, which he has denied.

The Thai government could ask for Britain to extradite Thaksin so he can face trial in Bangkok.

The two countries have a long-standing extradition treaty and Thailand's democratic government is recognised by Britain.