Nwankwo Kanu’s request could send Portsmouth into bankruptcy

Jul 23, 2012 5:02:00 PM

The former Super Eagles’ captain’s demands of unpaid wages may force the 2008 FA Cup winners into bankruptcy

Nwankwo Kanu, Portsmouth’s hero in their surprise 2008 FA Cup triumph, could also force the club into bankruptcy over the next two weeks. The club’s administrator Trevor Birch made this known in an interview with ESPN.

“Kanu has served the club notice that he wants to leave but before doing so he wants the money he says is owed to him by the club.

“These players hold the survival of the club in their hands, added Birch.

Portsmouth currently have only 12 players on their cards with Kanu being one of them but the Nigerian has demanded £3 million (N748 million) in owed wages.

“I must stress it is not their fault as the players didn’t get the club into this trouble, but they do now have the ability to get the club out of this mess.

“The club is heading for liquidation in just a few weeks, perhaps two weeks if these players don’t leave or compromise on their wages.

“We still have players like Ben Haim, Dave Kitson and Kanu on our books,” Birch added.

Portsmouth are scheduled to start their League One campaign against Bournemouth on August 18 with a 10-point penalty for entering into administration but with Kanu’s demands, there may not even be a club called Portsmouth in a fortnight.

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