Rights group questions Thaksin deal

Premier League bosses have stood by their decision to let former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra buy Manchester City.

Thaksin has almost £1 billion in assets frozen by the Thai military government, which ousted him from his homeland last October, and is also facing a succession of corruption charges relating to his five years in power.

And campaign group Human Rights Watch has written to the Premier League questioning whether the 58-year-old is a 'fit and proper person' to own a top-flight club.

League officials have confirmed receipt of the letter which lists a number of alleged human rights violations.

In a written reply they pointed out that while he remained free under UK law to own a company, it was difficult to see how the the Premier Leagie could justify barring his buy-out of the Eastlands club.

"It is important to realise that the Premier League takes its responsibilities surrounding the governance of its clubs very seriously," said a Premier League statement.

"We have very clear rules on the ownership of our clubs, which include the 'Fit and Proper Persons Test (FAPPT)', which go beyond any requirement by UK company law and are, to our knowledge, some of the sternest in place in any UK industry.

"The FAPPT means anyone convicted of a range of offences would not be permitted to become a director, or a shadow director, at a club.

"But what needs to be made clear is that in the first place we accept the primacy of UK and European law. This determines who may, and who may not, legally reside in the UK, own and acquire assets, and engage in commercial and other activities.

"We have responded to Human Rights Watch to assure them of the above facts, and to underline that we will always operate within the law and will take into account any evidence as verified by the appropriate legal process."

Thaksin, who lives in exile in London, has vowed to clear his name but is adamant he will not return to Thailand until free and democratic elections are held at the end of the year.

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