01 September 2023 , 21:43
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Fulham have paid tribute to former owner and chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed, who has died at the age of 94.
The Egyptian businessman purchased the club in 1997 and made good on his promise to take the Cottagers from the third tier of English football to the Premier League. His plan was to do so in five years - he achieved it in four and oversaw a lengthy spell in the top flight.
Al Fayed sanctioned the club's capture of Champions League winners like Edwin Van der Sar while the west Londoners also broke their transfer record on numerous occasions. He was at the helm for the club's Europa League final appearance in 2010 - selling the Whites three years later to Shahid Khan.
Following the news his successor 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.
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"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."
The Egyptian businessman took Fulham from the third tier to the Premier LeagueAl Fayed made his ambition known early on, handing notable funds to ensure Fulham were able to fulfil his promise. He appointed Kevin Keegan following his exit from Newcastle, despite the popular manager having to drop down the football pyramid, but it was a shrewd move as he gained promotion to Division One, now known as the Championship.
Keegan left his role to become England manager with Al Fayed stating the move was his "gift to the nation." When Al Fayed left the Cottage he referred to himself as a "custodian" and was confident the club was in good hands and they, following several promotions and relegations, are consolidating themselves as a Premier League side.
The Egyptian said upon leaving Fulham: "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. 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."