Saturday Fulham Stuff - 02/09/23...

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Luton	1-2	West Ham

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Mohamed Al Fayed: 1929-2023

Everyone at Fulham was incredibly saddened to learn of the death of our former Owner and Chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed.

His successor, Shahid Khan, this evening paid tribute.

"On behalf of everyone at Fulham Football Club, I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mohamed Al Fayed upon the news of his passing at age 94. The story of Fulham cannot be told without a chapter on the positive impact of Mr Al Fayed as Chairman. His legacy will be remembered for our promotion to the Premier League, a Europa League Final, and moments of magic by players and teams alike. I always enjoyed my time with Mr Al Fayed, who was wise, colourful and committed to Fulham, and I am forever grateful for his trust in me to succeed him as Chairman in 2013. I join our supporters around the world in celebrating the memory of Mohamed Al Fayed, whose legacy will always be at the heart of our tradition at Fulham Football Club."

Al Fayed purchased Fulham in 1997, following our recent promotion to the old Division Two (now League One). Following his takeover, he announced his intention to reach the Premier League within five years. Fulham did it in four.

With Al Fayed in charge, the Club attracted a new calibre of player to Craven Cottage, breaking our own transfer record on a regular basis. Convincing Chris Coleman to drop down two divisions was an early sign of the ambition in place by the Thames.

Kevin Keegan's appointment was significant in itself, but his title win in 1999 was done in such style that England came calling, a seemingly unheard of notion considering he had been managing in the third tier. After allowing his Manager to talk to the FA, Al Fayed described the move as his "gift to the nation."

Two years later, the Whites were promoted again, realising Al Fayed's dream of bringing Premier League football to Craven Cottage for the first time. The appointment of Jean Tigana surprised many, but it proved inspired as the team dazzled their way to the Division One title.

Now amongst England's elite, where we remained for a subsequent 13 years, Fulham reached a first FA Cup Semi-Final since 1975, secured a highest ever league finish of seventh, and defied the odds to make it all the way to the inaugural Europa League Final in 2010.

In 2013, after 16 years at the Club, Al Fayed sold Fulham to Mr Khan.

"My time of serving as the custodian of Fulham Football Club would one day come to an end, and I feel that time has now arrived," Al Fayed said. "The time is right because I have found a very good man in Shahid Khan to accept the responsibility and privilege that I have enjoyed at Fulham since 1997.

"Fulham will be in very good hands with Shahid, whose success in business and passion for sport is very evident. I ask everyone who loves Fulham and our Craven Cottage home to welcome Shahid as he begins his journey as the next guardian of Fulham Football Club."

Everyone associated with Fulham owes Mohamed a debt of gratitude for what he did for our Club, and our thoughts now are with his family and friends at this sombre time.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/september/01/mohamed-al-fayed-1929-2023/

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Palhinha flies to Munich, has medical, watches Bayern move disintegrate
João Palhinha has become the transfer deadline day's tragic figure, as his move from Fulham to Bayern Munich collapsed as he watched on helplessly from Bayern's training facility.

Fulham had allowed the Portuguese midfielder to fly to Munich after reportedly agreeing to a fee in the region of €65 million with the German champions.

Though Palhinha arrived in Munich, the transfer was not completely sealed. Fulham was still reportedly searching for the 28-year-old's replacement, which was a necessity for the Premier League club to allow one of its key players to depart.

Though the likes of Scott McTominay and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg were linked to the Cottagers, no deal went through prior to the 6 p.m. transfer deadline in Germany.

And so Palhinha — having already completed a medical and even taken photos with a Bayern shirt — saw his deadline-day move collapse in heartbreaking fashion.

It was a frustrating conclusion to a fruitless deadline day for Bayern, which also saw rumored moves for Armel Bella-Kotchap, Trevoh Chalobah and João Cancelo fall through.

But it was Palhinha's collapsed deal which will hurt the most, as the Portugal international joins Peter Odemwingie in the annals of failed deadline-day transfers.



https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/lists/palhinha-bayern-transfer-fulham-falls-though/

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How Bayern Munich failed to sign Palhinha
The transfer deadline has now passed and Bayern Munich continued to be actively pursuing deals for Fulham's Palhinha, Southampton's Armel Bella-Kotchap and Chelsea's Trevor Chalobah today but ended up making no new signings.

Palhinha had been in Munich today completing his medical as well as taking pictures in a Bayern Munich shirt ahead of the club announcement. However, despite an agreement between Fulham and Bayern being reached the deal rested on the fact that the London side could not find a replacement for the Portuguese international.

Fulham had actively tried to find a replacement and had shown interest in Scott McTominay from Manchester United but no deal was able to materialise as the Scottish international rejected the club. Fulham's failure to replace Palhinha meant his move to the Bayern was called off.

The collapse of the Palhinha deal does not hinder Liverpool in completing the signing of Ryan Gravenberch. The 21-year-old will be able to complete his €40m move to the Premier League side. The departure of Gravenberch now means Bayern only have three senior midfielders: Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Konrad Laimer.

Moves for Bella-Kotchap and Chalobah also failed to materialise for different reasons. As the transfer window in Germany closes at 6 pm CET, Bayern ran out of time to complete a deal for Bella-Kotchap. Kicker reports Bayern turned their attention away from Chalobah to focus on Bella-Kotchap despite Chelsea being willing to loan the defender to Bayern.



https://www.getfootballnewsgermany.com/2023/how-bayern-munich-failed-to-sign-palhinha/

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Manchester City v Fulham: The Opposition
A Look At City's Weekend Opponents

Manchester City look to go into the international break with a 100% record as the entertain Fulham at the Etihad Stadium.

The blues have won all three of their opening fixtures and face a Cottagers side that has very much had mixed fortunes at the start of the new campaign.

Fulham will be looking solidify their place in the Premier League after finishing 10th in the first season back in the top flight. Here, we take an in-depth look at the Cottagers form, star players and the team in general.

Form
Like City, Fulham have played three matches and have won, drawn and lost one each. The Cottagers got their season off to a great start with a 1-0 win at Everton on the opening day, however, they succumbed to a heavy 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Brentford.

Last weekend, Fulham took the lead at Arsenal in the opening minutes, but a penalty for Arsenal in the 70th minute came as a surprise to no one, before the Gunners took the lead two minutes later. Calvin Bassey was then sent off before the Cottagers levelled with three minutes of normal time remaining remaining.

Away from the PL, Fulham put Spurs out of the League Cup in midweek. The match finished 1-1, with Fulham winning 5-3 on penalties

New Signings
Fulham have been busy in the transfer market, with Bassey arriving from Ajax for around £18m and Timothy Castagne from Leicester for around £10m. The Cottagers raided Wolves over the summer, taking Raul Jimenez and Adam Traore to Craven Cottage and goalkeeper Steven Benda arrived from Fulham.



https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/2023/9/1/23855395/manchester-city-v-fulham-the-opposition

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Fulham star devastated as Bayern Munich move '100% off' after medical and media duties
Fabrizio Romano has reported the deal which would have seen Joao Palhinha move from Fulham to Bayern Munich is now '100% off' after the midfielder completed his medical and media duties.

It's been an eventful transfer window for Fulham. They might well have seen three of their best players depart the club in the space of a few weeks.

At the beginning of August, after just re-signing Willian to a new one-year deal, he told them he wanted to leave for Al Shabab after agreeing personal terms, but he was forced to stay. Shortly after, Aleksandr Mitrovic did move to Saudi Arabia, heading to Al Hilal for a Cottagers club-record sale of £44million.

Midfield star Palhinha has been a target for multiple clubs throughout the summer. West Ham identified him as an ideal replacement for Declan Rice, but instead pursued other targets.

Bayern Munich then entered the picture, and Fulham sanctioned a £58million deal, allowing Palhinha to fly to Germany to sign, with the caveat that they needed to sign a replacement themselves before finalising the deal.

They opened talks with Manchester United regarding a move for Scott McTominay, but Fabrizio Romano reports nothing came of that.

Indeed, the transfer insider states there was 'no deal on player side'. That's had a big impact on Palhinha's proposed move to Bayern, as Romano states it's '100% off' with 'no way to change the situation' as Fulham failed to secure a replacement.

That will be devastating for the midfielder, after he reportedly underwent his medical and media duties in Munich, before being told he'll have to return to Fulham.

That move would have been a huge one for the Portuguese. Before moving to Fulham, he'd never played in a top-five European league.

His move to Craven Cottage last summer allowed him that opportunity, and he grabbed it with both hands, being one of the most impressive midfielders in the league while playing for a side that finished 10th in the Premier League.



https://www.football365.com/news/fulham-star-devastated-bayern-munich-move-off-medical

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Fulham: Joao Palhinha in 'very strange moment' at Craven Cottage
Bayern Munich's move for Fulham ace Joao Palhinha has collapsed

Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha's move to Bayern Munich has now collapsed and transfer insider Dean Jones has given his verdict on the situation, while speaking to GIVEMESPORT.

While Marco Silva and his entourage will be pleased, the same cannot be said for the Portugal international, who was keen to explore pastures new.

Fulham transfer news – Joao Palhinha
Palhinha, who was a vital cog in Fulham's top-half finish in 2022/23, had been given the club's blessing to travel to Germany to complete a deadline day deal that would see him join Bundesliga giants Bayern. The 28-year-old, who was keen to ply his trade in the Champions League, was expected to join for a fee around the £65m mark, though a deal was not able to rubber-stamped before the German transfer window's 5pm cut-off point.

In light of Palhinha's seemingly inevitable switch to Bavaria, MailOnline reported that Fulham had tabled a bid worth £25m to Tottenham Hotspur for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's signature. However, it is expected that the Craven Cottage outfit will firmly put on the brakes off the back of the latest development.

Manchester United had also been approached for outcast Scott McTominay today, though that deal is also expected to be put on the back burner given that Palhinha will be turning to London imminently. Now, transfer insider Jones has given GIVEMESPORT an update on the disheartening situation and how the midfield enforcer must be feeling.

What did Dean Jones say about Fulham and Joao Palhinha?
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: "Joao Palhinha has fallen victim to the early German deadline as the cut-off meant Fulham could not replace him in time after allowing him to go over to Germany. A blow for the player and obviously a very strange moment for him emotionally - but it's also strange they left it so late to come in for him. Palhinha has been hiding in plain sight all year as the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League. I'm not sure why it took until the final few days of August to realise he was who they needed. It has been a pretty wild ride over at Bayern as deals for Trevoh Chalobah and Armel Bella-Kotchap also collapsed. Simply ran out of time on all of it."

What else is happening at Fulham on deadline day?
Fulham's Harrison Reed has also been touted with a move away from the Premier League in recent days, with Wolverhampton Wanderers emerging as the leading candidates, according to Sky Sports. The would-be buyers have, however, seen their opening £4m offer snubbed, per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Meanwhile, the capital club have re-opened talks with Chelsea for Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has also piqued interest from Premier League club Nottingham Forest. The overriding feeling, however, is that Fulham have left it too late given that BBC Sport have reported the winger is completing his medical ahead of a move to the Tricky Trees.



https://www.givemesport.com/fulham-joao-palhinha-in-very-strange-moment-at-craven-cottage/

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Mbabu joins Augsburg on loan
Fulham full back Kevin Mbabu has joined German outfit FC Augsburg on loan for the remainder of the season.

The Swiss international, who has made only seven appearances since signing for the Whites last July, spent a significant chunk of last season on loan with Servette and has now joined Enrico Maaßen's men. Augsburg are eleventh in the Bundesliga and face Bochum at home tomorrow afternoon.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/mbabu-joins-augsburg-on-loan/

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Manchester City vs Fulham: Preview, Team News and Prediction
A good test at home.

Manchester City face a stern test at home vs Fulham.

The Premier League is here and we continue the quest for the quad of PL's.

Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England

Time and Date: Saturday 2 September 2023, Kickoff at 15:00 BST, 9.00 am (EST, USA)

Referee: Michael Oliver.

Assistants: Stuart Burt, Dan Cook.

Fourth official: Michael Salisbury.

VAR: Tony Harrington.

Assistant VAR: Adam Nunn.

TV Info: SKY Sports (UK), Peacock/USA Network/Universo (USA), DAZN (Canada), Hotstar VIP (India), Paramount+ (Mexico), SuperSport (Nigeria)

***STREAM THE GAME LIVE, FUBO TV (USA) shows every Manchester City game on USA NETWORK/NBC with a high-quality and legal stream. New to Fubo TV? Click here

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Preview + Form

City is off a nice win in Sheffield and Fulham off a draw to Spurs.

This should make for a fun match and the last with Juanma Lillo in charge. Look for CIty's midfield to take charge and really make it a tough match for the lilywhites.

With that in mind, Haaland should have ample opportunities for goal as the qualitya nd service should be there.

Which team will come out in front?

Team News

City's side have John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne out.

Fulham haveBenda and Willian out.

Prediction

Manchester City 2-0 Fulham



https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/2023/9/1/23855886/manchester-city-vs-fulham-preview-team-news-and-prediction

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Mohamed Al-Fayed dies, aged 94
Former Fulham chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed has passed away, aged 94.

The Egyptian billionaire, the former owner of Harrods, and the father of Dodi Fayed, who was killed in a Paris car crash with Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, purchased Fulham following their promotion from the Third Division earlier that summer. He promised to take the Whites to the top flight within five years and achieved his aim a year earlier than planned.

His dream of making Fulham 'the Manchester United of the South' didn't quite materialise, perhaps in part due to the departure of key players like Louis Saha and Edwin van der Sar to Old Trafford, but his stewardship of the club ensured thirteen unbroken years in the Premier League until he sold to Shahid Khan in August 2013.

Al-Fayed's tenure was tarnished by the secretive deal to sell Craven Cottage to Fulham River Projects after his ambitions to redevelop the club's historic home were frustrated by local residents. After a fan-led 'Back to the Cottage' campaign, Al-Fayed relented and returned the Whites from exile at Queens Park Rangers. His appointment of Roy Hodgson, who took Fulham from almost certain relegation to the Europa League final, was inspired and also saw the Cottagers record their highest finish of seventh place in 2009.

Al-Fayed is survived by his four surviving children, including Omar, who served on Fulham's board towards the latter end of his father's ownership. There is no doubt that Al-Fayed transformed the fortunes of London's oldest professional club and we send our warmest condolences to his friends and family. Thank you for letting us leave the dream.

Take me home, Al Fayed – as the Hammersmith End still sings today.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/mohamed-al-fayed-dies-aged-94/

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Wigan Athletic bring in Martial Godo and Arsenal defender Omar Rekik on loan

Martial Godo (right) made his only appearance for Fulham against Crawley Town in the EFL Cup in August 2022

Wigan Athletic have completed two deadline-day loan signings by bringing in Fulham winger Martial Godo and Arsenal defender Omar Rekik.

Godo, 20, is yet to play in the Premier League, but has played once for the Cottagers in the EFL Cup.

He signed a new contract with Fulham earlier this month but will spend the rest of the season at the DW Stadium.

Tunisia international Rekik, 21, who joined Arsenal in January 2021, is on loan until January.

He played 11 times for Wigan in a loan spell in the second half of last season.

The Latics, relegated from the Championship, have now made 11 signings in this transfer window.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66689902

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Mohamed Al Fayed dies as tributes paid to ex-owner of Harrods and Fulham football club

Egyptian billionaire and former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed died of old age on Wednesday, said his family in a statement - a day before the anniversary of the death of his son Dodi and Princess Diana

Mohamed Al Fayed, the self-made Egyptian billionaire, former owner of Harrods, and father of Dodi Fayed, has died at the age of 94.

He was buried after Friday prayers following a service at Regent's Park Mosque in London, reported Al Jazeera Egypt. He died one day before the 26th anniversary of the death of his eldest son, Dodi, and Princess Diana.

In a statement released by Fulham FC, his family said: "Mrs Mohamed Al Fayed, her children and grandchildren wish to confirm that her beloved husband, their father and their grandfather, Mohamed, has passed away peacefully of old age on Wednesday August 30, 2023.

"He enjoyed a long and fulfilled retirement surrounded by his loved ones. The family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time."

The Egyptian businessman was the owner and chairman of Fulham between 1997 and 2013 when he sold it to current owner Shahid Khan. The football club said it was "incredibly saddened" by his death.

In a tweet, the west London club said: "Everyone at Fulham was incredibly saddened to learn of the death of our former owner and chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed. We owe Mohamed a debt of gratitude for what he did for our club, and our thoughts now are with his family and friends at this sombre time."

And in a tribute on the club's website, his successor Mr Khan said: "On behalf of everyone at Fulham Football Club, I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mohamed Al Fayed upon the news of his passing at age 94.

"The story of Fulham cannot be told without a chapter on the positive impact of Mr Al Fayed as chairman. His legacy will be remembered for our promotion to the Premier League, a Europa League Final, and moments of magic by players and teams alike.

"I always enjoyed my time with Mr Al Fayed, who was wise, colourful and committed to Fulham, and I am forever grateful for his trust in me to succeed him as chairman in 2013. I join our supporters around the world in celebrating the memory of Mohamed Al Fayed, whose legacy will always be at the heart of our tradition at Fulham Football Club."

Al Shorouk newspaper reported that Ashraf Haider, a member of his family, wrote: "My wife's grandfather, the Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al-Fayed, has died. We belong to God and to Him we shall return."

And Fulham Focus, a podcast created by fans of the football club, said: "Very sad to relate that reports from Egypt state that former Fulham owner & Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has passed at the age of 94. He brought a lot of energy and drive to reviving Fulham's fortunes and the club and fans owe him a great deal. Our condolences to his family."

In the 1990s, Al Fayed was one of the richest people in the world, with an impressive list of businesses and property to his name. As the owner of luxury department store Harrods and his involvement with high-profile charities brought him into the same circles as the royal family, including Princess Diana.

His eldest son, Dodi, was friends with the royal for about a decade before romance blossomed during a yacht holiday in the south of France. However they were denied the opportunity to spend their lives together, dying side-by-side in a car crash in Paris. Al Fayed spent the rest of his life mourning the loss.

The billionaire's relationship with the royal family was recently depicted in season five of The Crown, where Mr Al Fayed, played by Salim Daw, was seen getting to know Diana. The businessman was born in Alexandria in Egypt and came to London in the 1960s where he set about building his empire.

Mr Al Fayed had taken control of Harrods in 1985 and he had also purchased the Ritz hotel in Paris in 1979; and was known for being the owner of Fulham FC between 1997 and 2013. In 2010, he decided to sell Harrods to Qatar's royal family for a reported £1.5 billion and three years later he sold Fulham FC to Mr Khan, owner of American football team Jacksonville Jaguars.

Mr Al Fayed had once shown the "King of Pop" Michael Jackson around Fulham FC's Craven Cottage in 1999. The Sunday Times Rich List from 2021 reported that Mohamed Al-Fayed and family were worth around £1.7 billion.

Following the news of his passing, we look back at Al Fayed's life, and his rise to fame.

Self-made billionaire was son of a school inspector
Mohamed Al Fayed was born in the Egyptian city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean, the son of a school inspector. He came to London in the 1960s and set about building a business empire. Once there, the flamboyant and extrovert character was rarely out of the newspapers.

In the 1980s, he hit the headlines as he battled for control of the House of Fraser group, including its flagship store Harrods, with rival tycoon "Tiny" Rowland. Al Fayed and his brother bought a 30% stake in House Of Fraser from Mr Rowland in 1984, and took control of Harrods for £615 million the following year.

Mr Rowland's London and Rhodesian Mining Company (Lonrho) had attempted to buy Harrods but was beaten to it by the Egyptian family. Mr Rowland later accused Al Fayed of breaking into his safety deposit box at the department store.

The Egyptian was arrested in March 1998 along with Harrods security director John Macnamara and four other store staff, but was never charged. Al Fayed later expanded his business interests to include the Paris Ritz and Fulham Football Club.

Massive wealth and business deals
 In the past few decades, Mr Al Fayed sold off several of his high-profile businesses. Back in 2010, he sold Harrods to Qatar for a staggering $2.4billion. While he said he would never part ways with his beloved department store, it was a row over dividends and pension funds which finally showed him it was time to say goodbye.

Speaking to the Evening Standard at the time, he said: "Of course it makes me sad ... you can go ask everyone, people don't want me to go. But first of all I can't take this. I am 77 years old, right. I have children, I have grandchildren, you know ... I have done it. And time for me now to rest. And enjoy."

Three years later, in 2013, he also said goodbye to Fulham Football Club, which he sold to billionaire Shahid Khan for $300m. However he remained the proud owner of the famous Ritz Paris Hotel, regarded by many as the most beautiful in the world. In 2016 it underwent a massive refurbishment.

Earlier this year, his wealth was estimated at $2billion (roughly £1.58million), ranking at number 1,493 globally. And in May last year, Forbes listed his wealth at $1.9billion - which is about £1.6billion.

Foray into politics
As well as the worlds of business and royalty, he became embroiled in politics in 1994 when he was at the centre of the "cash-for-questions" scandal that rocked Westminster.

Al Fayed claimed via the Guardian he had paid then Tory MPs Neil Hamilton and Tim Smith thousands of pounds to illegally table questions in the Commons on his behalf. Mr Smith apologised and stepped down at the 1997 election but Mr Hamilton sued Al Fayed for libel, landing himself a seven-figure legal bill and eventual bankruptcy after losing to the businessman.

Mr Hamilton, who was later heavily criticised in a Commons report into the affair, was voted out at the 1997 election and is now the leader of Ukip.

Bond with Princess Diana
While it's unknown where they first met, Princess Diana and Al Fayed's circles would have crossed regularly as he sponsored many of the charities she was involved with. Their unlikely friendship features heavily in season five of The Crown, showing Mr Al Fayed, played by Salim Daw, growing closer to the royals.

In the summer of 1997, the year after Charles and Diana were finally able to officially divorce following their five year separation, Al Fayed invited Diana and her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, to join his family on his yacht in the south of France.

 The 208ft superyacht was the perfect setting for family time, with photos from the time showing the loving mum playing with her sons on the deck . The boat, which has now changed hands, has nine staterooms and can hold 18 people as well as a crew of 26. Dripping in luxury, it boasted a jacuzzi, office, formal dining room and a swim platform.

And it was during this trip that Diana grew close to Al Fayed's oldest son, 42-year-old film producer Dodi. Pictures of the couple cuddling and kissing on the top deck went around the world, while Diana was photographed sunbathing, jumping into a speedboat and sitting on the stern in a contemplative mood.

They were among the last pictures of the Princess, who told her friend Rosa Monckton in a phone call from the yacht that her time there was "bliss".

Fallout with the royals
Al Fayed spent a decade after the lovers' 1997 deaths in Paris's Alma tunnel repeatedly claiming that they were murdered in a plot by the security services and the Duke of Edinburgh. But he was forced to reluctantly concede defeat after a high-profile six-month inquest in 2007 and 2008.

The jury returned unlawful killing verdicts on both Diana and Dodi, but pinned the blame on the drink-driving of their chauffeur Henri Paul, who also died in the crash. Paul was employed by the Paris Ritz, from where their journey had started on August 31, a hotel owned by Mr Al Fayed.

At the end of the inquest, coroner Lord Justice Scott Baker openly voiced suggestions of "closing ranks" at the hotel over the question of whether they knew Paul was drinking on the night of the smash.

The jury had heard allegations, strenuously denied, that key witnesses were pressurised to back Mr Al Fayed's theories and that there was a "conspiracy to pervert the truth" within the Fayed organisation. Al Fayed later announced he would accept the verdict of the inquest jury, albeit "with reservations".

Grieving son's death
Speaking on the 20th anniversary of the crash, a friend told The Sun that Dodi's apartment remains the same as it did at the time of his death.

They told the newspaper: "He often spends hours on end sitting with Dodi. After 20 years he still misses him terribly. And when he is in London he will take time out to visit Dodi's apartment. Not one thing inside has changed since Dodi died. He will not allow anyone to move anything.

"The apartment is cleaned but it is still exactly the same as when Dodi and Diana used to spend time there."

No stranger to controversy
Fulham were languishing in Division Two when he took over in 1997 but spending on players and high-profile managers including Kevin Keegan and Roy Hodgson saw them rise to the top-half of the Premier League in the early Noughties, peaking in qualification for the Europa League.

Off the pitch, fans were treated to some bizarre spectacles, including a 1999 visit from Al Fayed's friend Michael Jackson. The Harrods boss and the club faced some ridicule when, in 2011, two years after Jackson's death, a statue of him as erected at its Craven Cottage ground.

Al Fayed wanted to pay tribute to the late King of Pop, whom he was friends with and said was a fan of the club. When he sold the club in 2013, he said there would be "big trouble" if the new owner was to remove the sculpture.

But a Fulham spokesperson said at the time: "The statue is not part of the Riverside development of the stadium and will be returned to the former chairman in due course."

Later life
The billionaire's relationship with the royal family was recently depicted in season five of The Crown, where Mr Al Fayed, played by Salim Daw, was seen getting to know Diana.

Mr Daw was nominated for supporting actor at the Baftas for his portrayal of Mr Al Fayed. Al-Fayed was named as the fourth richest person in Scotland on the Sunday Times Rich List 2023 with a fortune of £1.69 billion.

Mr Al Fayed was married twice and had five children.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/breaking-mohamed-al-fayed-dies-30844832

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Mohamed Al-Fayed dies aged 94: Former Harrods and Fulham FC owner passes away nearly 26 years to the day since his son Dodi was killed in car crash with Princess Diana

    'Wise, colourful' Egyptian businessman dies 'of old age' in London
    Tributes paid to Mr Al-Fayed, who never got over death of son Dodi in 1997

Mohamed Al-Fayed, the self-made billionaire who owned Harrods and Fulham FC, has died - almost 26 years to the day after his son was killed alongside Princess Diana in a car crash in Paris.

The Egyptian businessman was 94.

He was born in Alexandria in 1929 and moved to the UK in the 1960s, becoming an early driving force in the development of Dubai, and he later bought House of Fraser, including Harrods, with his brothers, as well as the Ritz hotel in Paris, which he owned up until his death.

A funeral service was held at London Central Mosque in Regents Park on Friday - following Islamic conventions to bury the dead as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours.

In a statement released by Fulham FC, his family said: 'Mrs Mohamed Al Fayed, her children and grandchildren wish to confirm that her beloved husband, their father and their grandfather, Mohamed, has passed away peacefully of old age on Wednesday August 30, 2023.

'He enjoyed a long and fulfilled retirement surrounded by his loved ones. The family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time.'

MailOnline understands that preparations had been in place for his funeral for some time amid concerns for his health.

'The service went ahead as planned,' a source said. 'The prayers were held in the mosque after Friday prayer - the prayer for the deceased.'

Al Shorouk newspaper reported that Ashraf Haider, a member of his family, wrote on social media: 'My wife's grandfather, the Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al-Fayed, has died. We belong to God and to Him we shall return.'

Mr Al-Fayed began his career selling fizzy drinks and then worked as a sewing-machine salesman.

He built his family's fortune in real estate, shipping and construction, first in the Middle East and then in Europe.

A combination of building a business empire in the UK and establishing a charitable foundation saw him mixing with the UK's most illustrious figures - from stars to royalty.

Mr Al-Fayed is believed to have met Diana and the then-Prince Charles at a polo match in the 1980s, and through this connection introduced her to his son Dodi.

Despite his vast business interests Mr Al-Fayed was probably best known for his continued search for answers to questions surrounding the crash that killed Dodi and Diana on August 31 1997 - almost exactly 26 years before his own death.

Diana - who was divorced from Charles in 1992 - and Dodi were pictured together in St Tropez in 1997, sparking rumours of romance, and the pair travelled together as they sought to leave the Ritz Hotel in Paris on the fateful morning of August 31 that year.

The younger Al-Fayed and the Princess of Wales were being driven away from paparazzi by Henri Paul, the deputy head of security at the hotel, when Paul lost control of the car and struck a pillar at around 65mph.

Mr Al-Fayed opened his own private investigation into the crash after being dissatisfied with the official investigations - and promoted a series of conspiracy theories alleging that the establishment had a hand in their deaths.

But a 2008 inquest concluded that Dodi and Diana were unlawfully killed by a combination of Paul's driving under the influence of alcohol, the fact neither were wearing seatbelts - and because of the erratic driving of paparazzi pursuing them through the early morning Paris streets.

Al-Fayed fell out with the British establishment after he was refused UK citizenship despite his vast business interests in the country.

He often threatened to move to France, which gave him the Legion of Honour, its highest civilian award.
He was later immortalised in Netflix series The Crown, played by Israeli actor Salim Daw, who will return to play the businessman in the next series, which will deal with the crash that killed his son and the Princess of Wales.
 
One episode of the show charts Mr Al-Fayed's rise to fame and eventual meeting with Princess Diana, played by Elizabeth Debicki.

Daw described him as an 'incredible, fascinating character' to play, telling Radio Times: 'He's so motivated to be on the top that this actually dictates the way he lives his life and the way he behaves.'

At one time Mr Al Fayed was one of the richest people in the world, with a wealth of businesses and property to his name.

Alongside his brothers, Mr Al-Fayed bought House of Fraser in the 1980s, which included London department store Harrods in Knightsbridge.

The purchase sparked a bitter feud with businessman Roland "Tiny" Rowland, who took the Al-Fayeds to a Department for Trade inquiry claiming their wealth had been exaggerated.

Like many billionaires, al-Fayed spurned convention. He once said he wanted to be mummified in a golden sarcophagus in a glass pyramid on the roof of Harrods.

He retained ownership of the store after the Frasers group entered public trading until 2010, when he sold it to Qatar Holding for $2.4billion.

Speaking to the Evening Standard about the sale, he said: 'Of course it makes me sad...you can go ask everyone, people don't want me to go.

'But first of all I can't take this. I am 77 years old, right. I have children, I have grandchildren, you know..I have done it. And time for me now to rest. And enjoy.'

But he also earned the respect of Fulham FC fans after buying the ailing West London professional side for £6m in 1997 - and his cash injection saw the team punch its way into the Premier League and European competition within a few years.

However, a decision to install a statue of Michael Jackson outside the ground in 2011 after the singer attended a match drew ire from the club's otherwise loyal fanbase.

Mr Al-Fayed sold the side to billionaire businessman Shahid Khan in 2013 for $300 million.

Paying tribute on Friday, Mr Khan said: 'On behalf of everyone at Fulham Football Club, I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mohamed Al Fayed upon the news of his passing at age 94.

'The story of Fulham cannot be told without a chapter on the positive impact of Mr Al Fayed as Chairman.

'His legacy will be remembered for our promotion to the Premier League, a Europa League Final, and moments of magic by players and teams alike.

'I always enjoyed my time with Mr Al Fayed, who was wise, colourful and committed to Fulham, and I am forever grateful for his trust in me to succeed him as Chairman in 2013.

'I join our supporters around the world in celebrating the memory of Mohamed Al Fayed, whose legacy will always be at the heart of our tradition at Fulham Football Club.'

A club statement added: 'Everyone at Fulham was incredibly saddened to learn of the death of our former owner and chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed.

'We owe Mohamed a debt of gratitude for what he did for our club, and our thoughts now are with his family and friends at this sombre time.'

Fulham fans came out in droves to pay tribute to Mr Al-Fayed on social media. To them, he was known simply as 'Mo'.

One fan said: 'The man who changed Fulham forever, if there is anyone deserving of a statue, it's Mo. Absolute top man, and a top owner.'

Another wrote: 'So sad. He did incredible things for our little club @fulhamfc and he will always be remembered (not only for the Michael Jackson statue) RIP Mo, reunited with your beloved son Dodi.'

Piers Morgan, writing on X (formerly Twitter), said: 'RIP Mohamed Al-Fayed, 94. An extraordinary tour de force of a man who never got over the death of his beloved son Dodi in the crash that also killed Diana.

'Mohamed wasn't everyone's cup of tea and he was a flawed, complex character, but I liked him.'

Earlier this year, Mr Al-Fayed's wealth was estimated at $2billion (roughly £1.58million), ranking at number 1,493 globally.

And in May last year, Forbes listed his wealth at $1.9billion - which is about £1.6billion.

Before Dodi's death in 1997, Mr Al-Fayed also became known to the British public for his involvement in the 'cash-for-questions' scandal.

It saw Conservative MPs resign in disgrace after failing to declare that they had been paid by the Egyptian to ask questions in parliament.

He approached the Guardian newspaper with the allegations in 1994, which led to the resignation of MP Tim Smith.

Another MP, Neil Hamilton, was found to have accepted bribes, including a holiday at the Ritz and a free shopping spree at Harrods.

He did not stand down, but the scandal led to him being inextricably associated with sleaze and he lost his seat at the 1997 general election.The questions related to controversy over Mr Al-Fayed's ownership of Harrods, and the businessman says he was approached by lobbyist Ian Greer to grease the palms of willing MPs.

Mr Al-Fayed was married twice: first to Saudi Arabian author Samira Khashoggi from 1953 to 1956, with whom he had Dodi.

In 1985, he married Finnish socialite and former model Heini Wathén, with whom he had another four children: Jasmine, Karim, Camilla, and Omar.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12471661/Mohamed-Al-Fayed-dies-age-94-Former-Harrods-Fulham-FC-owner-passes-away-26-years-day-son-perished-car-crash-Princess-Diana.html

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Al-Ittihad 3-4 Al-Hilal: Former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic bags stunning HAT-TRICK as Saudi Pro League champions drop points for the first time this season

    Al-Ittihad's perfect record came to an end on Friday as they lost 4-3 to Al-Hilal
    Former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic bagged a hat-trick for the visitors

Former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic bagged a hat-trick on Friday as Al-Hilal pulled off a stunning comeback  to beat 4-3 with Al-Ittihad.

The hosts came into the game as Saudi League Champions and had not dropped a point so far this season.

It looked like their form would continue when Brazilian captain Romarinho opened the scoring after just 16 minutes.

Mitrovic equalised minutes later, but goals from star signing Karim Benzema and Abderrazak Hamdallah meant Ittihad were leading 3-1 at the break.

Jorge Jesus' side did not let their heads drop, though, as Mitrovic added two more goals in five minutes to bring the scores level with 25 minutes remaining.

Nasser Al-Dawsari then completed the turnaround with a 71st minute winner that moved his side top of the Pro League.

Al-Hilal are the only side who remain unbeaten, with four wins and a draw from their opening five games.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side remain just one point behind after picking up four wins before Friday's setback.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12471605/Al-Ittihad-3-4-Al-Hilal-Aleksandar-Mitrovic-bags-stunning-hat-trick-Saudi-Pro-League-champions-drop-points-time-season.html

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Lyon's Maxence Caqueret rejects offer from Fulham

L'Équipe report tonight that Premier League outfit Fulham have attempted a last-minute deadline day move for Lyon midfielder Maxence Caqueret – the player himself has turned down their advances.

According to the French outlet, the Cottagers made a lucrative offer to the French youth international, who despite Lyon's recent struggles – they are winless so far this season – had been the subject of little transfer interest so far this summer.

However, Caqueret has immediately turned down the offer. The current 12th-placed Premier League side also look set to hold on to Portuguese international midfielder João Palhinha after a move to Bayern Munich collapsed at the last minute.

Caqueret has made 133 appearances for Lyon since breaking into his formative club's first team during the 2019/20, and has established himself as a consistent fixture in the team over the last three seasons. Last year, he scored four goals and registered seven assists.



https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2023/lyons-maxence-caqueret-rejects-offer-from-fulham/

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Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo's move to AS Monaco falls through
Fabrizio Romano reports that Fulham and Monaco have failed to reach an agreement over defender Tosin Adarabioyo (25) – despite the player wanting to join the principality club.

L'Équipe  reported several days ago that Fulham have opened the door for a departure for Tosin Adarabioyo (25). It spelt good news for AS Monaco, who became increasingly optimistic of pulling off a deal.

Tottenham were competing for his signature before the end of the window, and it was reported that the Cottagers would prefer to sell to their London rivals, in order to receive Eric Dier in return. As reported by Foot Mercato, OGC Nice were also interested in Adarabioyo, in the event of Jean-Clair Todibo leaving the club.



https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2023/fulham-defender-tosin-adarabioyos-move-to-as-monaco-falls-through/

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Mohamed al-Fayed, ex-Harrods owner whose son died with Princess Diana, dead at 94
LONDON, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Mohamed al-Fayed, the self-made Egyptian billionaire who bought the Harrods department store and promoted the discredited conspiracy theory that the British royal family was behind the death of his son and Princess Diana, has died, his family said.

Born in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, al-Fayed began his career selling fizzy drinks and then worked as a sewing-machine salesman. He built his family's fortune in real estate, shipping and construction, first in the Middle East and then in Europe.

Although al-Fayed owned establishment symbols such as Harrods, Fulham and the Ritz hotel in Paris, he was always an outsider in Britain, tolerated but not embraced.

He fell out with the British government over its refusal to grant him citizenship of the country that was his home for decades, and often threatened to move to France, which gave him the Legion of Honour, its highest civilian award.

Al-Fayed - who could be charming, autocratic, vindictive, and at times wildly outspoken – spent 10 years trying to prove Diana and his son Dodi were murdered when their car crashed in a road tunnel in Paris in 1997 as they tried to outrun paparazzi photographers on motorbikes.

Unsupported by any evidence, according to the inquest into Diana's death, he claimed that she was bearing Dodi's child and accused Prince Philip, the queen's husband, of ordering Britain's security services to kill her to stop her marrying a Muslim and having his baby.

Al-Fayed died on Wednesday, his family said, a day before the 26th anniversary of Dodi and Diana's death.

"Mrs Mohamed Al Fayed, her children and grandchildren wish to confirm that her beloved husband, their father and their grandfather, Mohamed, has passed away peacefully of old age," the family statement read.

While al-Fayed was known for self-invention, exaggeration, and boasting, he was also a central figure in key moments in Britain's recent history.

His rancorous takeover of Harrods in 1985 sparked one of Britain's most bitter business feuds, while in 1994 he caused a scandal with the disclosure that he had paid politicians to ask questions on his behalf in parliament.

Like many billionaires, al-Fayed spurned convention. He once said he wanted to be mummified in a golden sarcophagus in a glass pyramid on the roof of Harrods.

At the store, where he instituted a dress code - even for customers - which he enforced in person, he installed a kitsch bronze memorial statue of Diana and Dodi dancing beneath the wings of an albatross.

As the owner of Fulham, he erected a larger-than-life, sequined statue of Michael Jackson outside the ground even though the singer only attended one match. When people complained, he said: "If some stupid fans don't understand or appreciate such a gift, they can go to hell."

HARRODS TAKEOVER
Much of al-Fayed's past remained murky - even his date of birth. He said he was born in then British-ruled Egypt in 1933. However, a British government inquiry into the Harrods takeover said 1929.

Al-Fayed became resident in Britain in 1974 and added the al to his name. Casting this as self-aggrandisement, the satirical magazine Private Eye nicknamed him the "Phoney Pharaoh".

In 1985 he and his brothers beat businessman Roland "Tiny" Rowland to Harrods, one of the most famous shops in the world.

Al-Fayed hoped that buying the store would win him acceptance in British society. Instead, it led to a series of bitter confrontations.

Rowland took al-Fayed and his brothers to a Department of Trade inquiry, claiming that they had misrepresented their wealth.

The inquiry cast doubt on their origins as part of a wealthy business family, past business connections, and their independent financial resources.

After a quarter of century of ownership, al-Fayed sold Harrods to Qatar's sovereign wealth fund in 2010.

Al-Fayed's application for British citizenship was denied by the government in 1995. He said racism kept him on the fringe of acceptability.

A year earlier, al-Fayed had embarrassed the government by disclosing that he had made gifts and payments to politicians in return for them asking parliamentary questions for him. The so-called "cash-for-questions" scandal ended the careers of four politicians, including one minister.

The allegations of sleaze undermined the Conservatives, who lost a landslide election to Labour leader Tony Blair in 1997.

DIANA AND DODI
That summer, al-Fayed's son Dodi began a relationship with Princess Diana, who had divorced Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne. Dodi and Diana were pictured by British tabloids on holiday on a yacht in the south of France.

After travelling to Paris, the couple were killed when their Mercedes, driven at high speed by a chauffeur who had been drinking whisky and was trying to evade the paparazzi, crashed into a concrete pillar in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel.

Beset by grief and an overwhelming sense of injustice, al-Fayed spent millions on legal battles to ensure there was an inquest.

When it started in London a decade after the crash, al-Fayed would accuse everyone from the royal family, prime minister Blair, Diana's sister Sarah, the French embalmers of Diana's body, and the Paris ambulance drivers of being implicated.

But the jury said the couple were unlawfully killed by their chauffeur's driving. Al-Fayed said he accepted the verdict and gave up legal attempts to show they were murdered.

"I'm leaving the rest for God to get my revenge," he said.



https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/mohamed-al-fayed-harrods-owner-whose-son-dated-princess-diana-dead-94-2023-09-01/?rpc=401&;

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Everton And Wolves Target Set To Stay Put At Fulham
Everton and Wolves target Harrison Reed is set to stay put at Fulham despite speculation of a transfer on deadline day, according to The Athletic.

Reed's future at Fulham came under the scanner on the final day of the transfer due to interest from at least two Premier League sides.

Wolves were in contact with the player to convince him to move to Molineux after losing Matheus Nunes to Manchester City.

Everton also showed an interest in the Fulham midfielder as the potential replacement for Alex Iwobi, who is expected to join the Cottagers soon.

However, it has been claimed that Reed will not be leaving Fulham before the end of the window tonight.

He attracted interest from two Premier League clubs but no move is imminent for the midfielder.

Wolves failed to convince the player to make the switch to Molineux from Craven Cottage on deadline day.

Everton's interest in Reed never firmed up into a concrete offer and he is now set to stay put at Fulham.



https://insidefutbol.com/2023/09/01/everton-and-wolves-target-set-to-stay-put-at-fulham/619277/

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Mohamed Al Fayed: Former Harrods owner dies at 94
Mohamed Al Fayed, the former Harrods boss whose son Dodi was killed in a car crash alongside Diana, Princess of Wales, has died aged 94.

Born in Egypt, he built a business empire in the Middle East before moving to the UK in the 1970s.

However, he never realised his ambition to gain a passport for his adopted country.

He spent his later years questioning the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Dodi and Diana.

Mr Al Fayed had remained largely out of the public limelight in the past decade, living in his Surrey mansion with his wife Heini.

In a statement released on Friday, his family said: "Mrs Mohamed Al Fayed, her children and grandchildren wish to confirm that her beloved husband, their father and their grandfather, Mohamed, has passed away peacefully of old age on Wednesday August 30, 2023.

"He enjoyed a long and fulfilled retirement surrounded by his loved ones."

Fulham Football Club, which Mr Al Fayed owned for many years, said that it was "incredibly saddened to learn" of his death.

"We owe Mohamed a debt of gratitude for what he did for our club, and our thoughts now are with his family and friends at this sombre time," it said in a statement.

His successor at the club, Shahid Khan, expressed his condolences in a tribute on the club's website.

"The story of Fulham cannot be told without a chapter on the positive impact of Mr Al Fayed as chairman," he said.

"His legacy will be remembered for our promotion to the Premier League, a Europa League Final, and moments of magic by players and teams alike."

Mr Khan said Mr Al Fayed was "wise, colourful and committed to Fulham" and that his legacy would "always be at the heart of our tradition" at the club.

Journalist Piers Morgan described Al Fayed as an "extraordinary tour de force of a man who never got over the death of his beloved son Dodi in the crash that also killed Diana", adding that he was a "flawed, complex character" but that he liked him.

Mr Al Fayed rose from selling fizzy drinks on the streets of his native Alexandria in Egypt to become a big name in business with all the right contacts.

His break came after he met his first wife, Samira Khashoggi, the sister of Saudi millionaire arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi - who employed him in his Saudi Arabian import business.

The role helped him forge new connections in Egypt, and although the marriage lasted little more than two years, Mr Al Fayed went on to launch his own a shipping business.

In 1966, he became an adviser to one of the world's richest men, the Sultan of Brunei.

He moved to Britain in 1974 and five years later bought the Paris Ritz hotel with his brother Ali for £20m.

They went on to take over Harrods in 1985 for £615m, following a vicious bidding war with mining conglomerate the Lonrho group.

Under his ownership, Fulham FC rose from the third tier to the Premier League.

He gave generously to charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital and, as a father of five, showed a particular interest in helping underprivileged or unwell children.

He set up the Al Fayed Charitable Foundation in 1987 to better the lives of impoverished, traumatised and very sick youngsters.

It was from his Ritz hotel in Paris that his son Dodi, a film producer, and his then-partner Diana, Princess of Wales, departed, before the car crash which killed them both in 1997.

Mr Al Fayed never recovered from the shock of the crash, becoming obsessed with the speculation surrounding the deaths.

His evidence at the inquest in February 2008 included claims that the deaths were on the orders of Prince Philip and with the connivance of MI6.

They were deemed a "conspiracy theory" by the coroner and rejected by the jury.

Mr Al Fayed twice failed in his attempt to secured British citizenship.

On the second occasion in 1995, angered by the rejection, he told the press that he had paid two Conservative ministers, Neil Hamilton and Tim Smith, to ask questions in the House of Commons about his interests.

They both left the government, and Mr Hamilton, who denied the allegation, also lost a libel case against Mr Al Fayed.

A third politician, Jonathan Aitken, who was then a cabinet minister, also resigned after Mr Al Fayed revealed that he stayed for free at the Ritz in Paris at the same time as a group of Saudi arms dealers.

In 2010, Mr Al Fayed sold Harrods to the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar. Nearly half of the purchase price was used to clear the company's debts.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66690623

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Fulham see second deadline day exit fall through despite agreement for defender weeks ago
Tosin Adarabioyo will now not move to AS Monaco despite agreeing personal terms weeks ago, as there is 'no agreement' between the French side and Fulham for the transfer.

Fulham have already seen one deadline day transfer fall through. They had allowed Joao Palhinha to head to Germany to sign for Bayern Munich while they worked on getting a replacement sorted.

However, as they weren't able to do so, Palhinha did his medical and media duties for no reason, and was forced to head back to Craven Cottage rather than see his £58million deal go through.

That all came quite quickly, with the agreement being reached at the back end of the window. Adarabioyo's deal has now fallen through too, but in a completely different manner.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano states the defender's move to Monaco is 'OFF', as there was 'no agreement with Fulham'. That'll be a sore subject with the defender given how long he had expected he would become a Monaco player.

In July, it was reported Adarabioyo was nearing an agreement with the French side, and on August 22, with over a week left until the transfer deadline, Fabrice Hawkins reported the deal on personal terms had been reached.

However, as per that same report, Fulham would have preferred to sell him to Tottenham, as they reportedly wanted to acquire the services of Eric Dier.

With that being said, it's unclear whether the Cottagers ever actually expected they would reach an agreement with Monaco, or if they would have denied Adarabioyo the chance of a move unless it was the one they specifically wanted.

There's no suggestion of how much Fulham wanted for him, but it was reported by the Independent that Monaco would 'put a new bid in' once a price was agreed.

That would suggest the Cottagers never gave them a price that they were happy with paying. It seems strange that they would ask for a fee that's unable to be reached, if indeed that is the case, as Adarabioyo is only under contract for another year, so they do need to sell to ensure they receive a fee.

Contract negotiations broke down between the defender and the club recently, so he might walk away for free next summer. With that being said, it's odd that an agreement couldn't be reached, as Fulham should have been desperate to recoup a decent sum.



https://www.football365.com/news/fulham-second-deadline-day-exit-fall-through-agreement-weeks-ago