' Hamamm asks FAW to step in as arbitrator '

The Bluebirds hierarchy intend to strip Sam Hammam of his life presidency this week and both parties would welcome the involvement of the governing body


Sunday 12th July 2015

The FAW have been approached to help negotiate between Cardiff City and its main creditor Langston, WalesOnline has learned.

It is the latest move in the on-going battle between Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan and former supremo Sam Hammam over £24m in loan notes taken out by the Lebanese businessman from the firm back in 2004 during his time in charge in the Welsh capital.

We understand Hammam approached the game’s governing body in Wales to act as arbitrators in the row after his representative, Michael Filiou, was unanimously voted off the Cardiff board at a meeting last week. Filiou originally joined the Cardiff board two years ago.

Another meeting of the Bluebirds’ top brass is set for this Friday with the aim of stripping Hammam of his life presidency at the club, but he has now turned to the FAW to try to help broker a deal. Cardiff themselves have agreed to the governing body intervening should they chose.




Two years ago peace seemed to have broken out with an agreement announced which involved the Bluebirds paying £22m to Langston via a £15m down payment, followed by £7m in £250,000 quarterly instalments over seven years. As part of the deal Hammam was made life president of the capital club.

But that payment schedule has broken down with nearly £6m still outstanding and current Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman has insisted no more money will be paid to Langston until the true identity of the company is revealed.

Despite that fact that when the matter between the two parties originally went to the High Court in 2008, Mr Justice Briggs stated that, in effect, ‘Hammam was Langston,’ the former Wimbledon owner himself has remained tight-lipped. Back in February though he revealed court proceedings would be brought against the club over the matter. The last due payment to Langston was halted back in January.




We understand now that Cardiff believe the onus is very much on Hammam to finally shed some light onto who is behind Langston and where money paid to it is going and to whom. Langston is a firm registered in Panama and based in Switzerland, but very little else has been disclosed despite the original loan notes having been issued more than a decade ago.

The Cardiff City board meeting on Friday to strip Hammam of his honorary title could well still go ahead. The club itself is hoping if the FAW do act as mediators, discussions might be held early this week allowing their original schedule to continue.

Although there is an acceptance within the Bluebirds’ hierarchy that if the FAW cannot intervene until a later date, Friday’s meeting might have to be postponed until a later date.

Something isn't right here ,why would the club pay 15 million and other payments after then just stop and to say they want to know who they are ?

Something isn't right here ,why would the club pay 15 million and other payments after then just stop and to say they want to know who they are ?

I can only think that the need to know who Langston are, is just a red herring. I cannot see what that has to do with completing the debt payoff that was agreed on. What I believe has happened, is that Sam, has done something behind the scenes to upset Tan, possibly in relation to the consortium that was apparently being put together. Maybe, Tan and the club felt that Sam was working against the club some how and now they see this as being the best way of punishing him?

Something isn't right here ,why would the club pay 15 million and other payments after then just stop and to say they want to know who they are ?

I can only think that the need to know who Langston are, is just a red herring. I cannot see what that has to do with completing the debt payoff that was agreed on. What I believe has happened, is that Sam, has done something behind the scenes to upset Tan, possibly in relation to the consortium that was apparently being put together. Maybe, Tan and the club felt that Sam was working against the club some how and now they see this as being the best way of punishing him?

I think you will find Wez is way off and your nearer the truth.

Let the truth come out

Something isn't right here ,why would the club pay 15 million and other payments after then just stop and to say they want to know who they are ?

I can only think that the need to know who Langston are, is just a red herring. I cannot see what that has to do with completing the debt payoff that was agreed on. What I believe has happened, is that Sam, has done something behind the scenes to upset Tan, possibly in relation to the consortium that was apparently being put together. Maybe, Tan and the club felt that Sam was working against the club some how and now they see this as being the best way of punishing him?

I think you will find Wez is way off and your nearer the truth.

Let the truth come out

way off ? I have ask a question

The whole thing stinks and has done for a while, Sam ripped the club off and Tann want s to highlight this, Sam should not have anything to do with the club, we should pay the crook off and move on. This is upsetting as I loved Sam so has my son who he was great with when he was younger.

Sam did do wonders for Cardiff took them from a disaster to a good championship team however he made a mistake by bringing in Ridsdale who got rid of him.

But that is not our fault and Sam is now punishing us the club for his mistakes he is blaming his so called mates who are City supporters its gone on to long, just go away Sam you could have been thought of fondly by us but all this shit just makes me wish you just piss off

Something isn't right here ,why would the club pay 15 million and other payments after then just stop and to say they want to know who they are ?

I can only think that the need to know who Langston are, is just a red herring. I cannot see what that has to do with completing the debt payoff that was agreed on. What I believe has happened, is that Sam, has done something behind the scenes to upset Tan, possibly in relation to the consortium that was apparently being put together. Maybe, Tan and the club felt that Sam was working against the club some how and now they see this as being the best way of punishing him?

I think you will find Wez is way off and your nearer the truth.

Let the truth come out

way off ? I have ask a question

Because as usual when it comes to Sam, I know which way your heading Wez.

Tan has found not one bit of fraud or corruption on Sam in the last 4 years a fact and spent a £million in trying to find any, so Tan is now playing a costly childish game as usual and costing the club interest & very expensive legal costs.

Remember 16 months later Tan is still trying to some how find fraud on Malky.

Something isn't right here ,why would the club pay 15 million and other payments after then just stop and to say they want to know who they are ?

I can only think that the need to know who Langston are, is just a red herring. I cannot see what that has to do with completing the debt payoff that was agreed on. What I believe has happened, is that Sam, has done something behind the scenes to upset Tan, possibly in relation to the consortium that was apparently being put together. Maybe, Tan and the club felt that Sam was working against the club some how and now they see this as being the best way of punishing him?

I think you will find Wez is way off and your nearer the truth.

Let the truth come out

way off ? I have ask a question

Because as usual when it comes to Sam, I know which way your heading Wez.

Tan has found not one bit of fraud or corruption on Sam in the last 4 years a fact and spent a £million in trying to find any, so Tan is now playing a costly childish game as usual and costing the club interest & very expensive legal costs.

too soon to jump down my throat there annis ,I don't know what's gone on and probably nor do you, only the club knows and tbh it all seems to be dalman who's doing this

The circus is back in town

Something isn't right here ,why would the club pay 15 million and other payments after then just stop and to say they want to know who they are ?

I can only think that the need to know who Langston are, is just a red herring. I cannot see what that has to do with completing the debt payoff that was agreed on. What I believe has happened, is that Sam, has done something behind the scenes to upset Tan, possibly in relation to the consortium that was apparently being put together. Maybe, Tan and the club felt that Sam was working against the club some how and now they see this as being the best way of punishing him?

I think you will find Wez is way off and your nearer the truth.

Let the truth come out

way off ? I have ask a question

Because as usual when it comes to Sam, I know which way your heading Wez.

Tan has found not one bit of fraud or corruption on Sam in the last 4 years a fact and spent a £million in trying to find any, so Tan is now playing a costly childish game as usual and costing the club interest & very expensive legal costs.

too soon to jump down my throat there annis ,I don't know what's gone on and probably nor do you, only the club knows and tbh it all seems to be dalman who's doing this

Wez, If I am wrong to jump straight at you I apologies but I do know whats going on here and Dalman is only acting on Tans orders on this.

The circus is back in town

Griff, Tan's circus seems forever ending.

We should all only be talking about football and getting excited about the new season,Ive tried my best for months to post that way.

I can't see how the FAW can do anything other than act as a middle man.

I can't see how the FAW can do anything other than act as a middle man.

I agree with you

Does Tan just want Sam to say he is Langston ?

The court allegedly said that anyway.

Doesn't add up .

Wonder what Sam as life president thinks of Slade?

Will support the whole team and Slade, still maintain first two months will make or break our season

From FB


Gareth Hughes
For someone so successful tan is one of the most vindictive people ever. The money wasted on langstone and Malky is beyond a joke. What tan needs to do is let Ken Choo run the club and he needs to keep a low profile. The money wasted on legal action should go into youth development in the the valleys, Barry, Bridgend, PT etc and fighting the jacks who are trying to take over our traditional support areas.

From FB


Gareth Hughes
For someone so successful tan is one of the most vindictive people ever. The money wasted on langstone and Malky is beyond a joke. What tan needs to do is let Ken Choo run the club and he needs to keep a low profile. The money wasted on legal action should go into youth development in the the valleys, Barry, Bridgend, PT etc and fighting the jacks who are trying to take over our traditional support areas.

His advice for Tan is all very well but as I've said before you cannot tell the man to feck off one minute and then tell him what to do with his money the next.Not if you want to be credible anyway.I think theres more to it than meets the eye.And I'll bet the small change(to him)spent on legal advice and action is anything but wasted.

From FB


Gareth Hughes
For someone so successful tan is one of the most vindictive people ever. The money wasted on langstone and Malky is beyond a joke. What tan needs to do is let Ken Choo run the club and he needs to keep a low profile. The money wasted on legal action should go into youth development in the the valleys, Barry, Bridgend, PT etc and fighting the jacks who are trying to take over our traditional support areas.

This is Tan own money unless he loans it against the club.

I was under the impression any money going to the academies would come from the running of the club profits.....which means no money is going that way.

The circus is back in town

Griff, Tan's circus seems forever ending.

We should all only be talking about football and getting excited about the new season,Ive tried my best for months to post that way.

You have to wonder how it effects the players and staff.
Or how it effects players considering signing up.

From FB


Gareth Hughes
For someone so successful tan is one of the most vindictive people ever. The money wasted on langstone and Malky is beyond a joke. What tan needs to do is let Ken Choo run the club and he needs to keep a low profile. The money wasted on legal action should go into youth development in the the valleys, Barry, Bridgend, PT etc and fighting the jacks who are trying to take over our traditional support areas.

This is Tan own money unless he loans it against the club.

I was under the impression any money going to the academies would come from the running of the club profits.....which means no money is going that way.

Think you are wrong there, the legal fees would be against the club, the club is the one taken legal action,it is not a personel charge by Tan.

From FB


Gareth Hughes
For someone so successful tan is one of the most vindictive people ever. The money wasted on langstone and Malky is beyond a joke. What tan needs to do is let Ken Choo run the club and he needs to keep a low profile. The money wasted on legal action should go into youth development in the the valleys, Barry, Bridgend, PT etc and fighting the jacks who are trying to take over our traditional support areas.

This is Tan own money unless he loans it against the club.

I was under the impression any money going to the academies would come from the running of the club profits.....which means no money is going that way.

Think you are wrong there, the legal fees would be against the club, the club is the one taken legal action,it is not a personel charge by Tan.

From FB


Gareth Hughes
For someone so successful tan is one of the most vindictive people ever. The money wasted on langstone and Malky is beyond a joke. What tan needs to do is let Ken Choo run the club and he needs to keep a low profile. The money wasted on legal action should go into youth development in the the valleys, Barry, Bridgend, PT etc and fighting the jacks who are trying to take over our traditional support areas.

This is Tan own money unless he loans it against the club.

I was under the impression any money going to the academies would come from the running of the club profits.....which means no money is going that way.

Think you are wrong there, the legal fees would be against the club, the club is the one taken legal action,it is not a personel charge by Tan.

Sam Hamman is taking Vincent Tan to court.

From FB


Gareth Hughes
For someone so successful tan is one of the most vindictive people ever. The money wasted on langstone and Malky is beyond a joke. What tan needs to do is let Ken Choo run the club and he needs to keep a low profile. The money wasted on legal action should go into youth development in the the valleys, Barry, Bridgend, PT etc and fighting the jacks who are trying to take over our traditional support areas.

This is Tan own money unless he loans it against the club.

I was under the impression any money going to the academies would come from the running of the club profits.....which means no money is going that way.

Think you are wrong there, the legal fees would be against the club, the club is the one taken legal action,it is not a personel charge by Tan.

Sam Hamman is taking Vincent Tan to court.

isnt this because tan is standing surety for the debt as he is majority share holder??

Something isn't right here ,why would the club pay 15 million and other payments after then just stop and to say they want to know who they are ?

I can only think that the need to know who Langston are, is just a red herring. I cannot see what that has to do with completing the debt payoff that was agreed on. What I believe has happened, is that Sam, has done something behind the scenes to upset Tan, possibly in relation to the consortium that was apparently being put together. Maybe, Tan and the club felt that Sam was working against the club some how and now they see this as being the best way of punishing him?

I think you will find Wez is way off and your nearer the truth.

Let the truth come out

way off ? I have ask a question

Because as usual when it comes to Sam, I know which way your heading Wez.

Tan has found not one bit of fraud or corruption on Sam in the last 4 years a fact and spent a £million in trying to find any, so Tan is now playing a costly childish game as usual and costing the club interest & very expensive legal costs.

Sam was far worse owner than Tan, why so defensive?

From FB


Gareth Hughes
For someone so successful tan is one of the most vindictive people ever. The money wasted on langstone and Malky is beyond a joke. What tan needs to do is let Ken Choo run the club and he needs to keep a low profile. The money wasted on legal action should go into youth development in the the valleys, Barry, Bridgend, PT etc and fighting the jacks who are trying to take over our traditional support areas.

This is Tan own money unless he loans it against the club.

I was under the impression any money going to the academies would come from the running of the club profits.....which means no money is going that way.

Think you are wrong there, the legal fees would be against the club, the club is the one taken legal action,it is not a personel charge by Tan.

Sam Hamman is taking Vincent Tan to court.

isnt this because tan is standing surety for the debt as he is majority share holder??

Surety/guarantor for the debt yes. Because he is the major shareholder....don't know.

Something isn't right here ,why would the club pay 15 million and other payments after then just stop and to say they want to know who they are ?

I can only think that the need to know who Langston are, is just a red herring. I cannot see what that has to do with completing the debt payoff that was agreed on. What I believe has happened, is that Sam, has done something behind the scenes to upset Tan, possibly in relation to the consortium that was apparently being put together. Maybe, Tan and the club felt that Sam was working against the club some how and now they see this as being the best way of punishing him?

I think you will find Wez is way off and your nearer the truth.

Let the truth come out

way off ? I have ask a question

Because as usual when it comes to Sam, I know which way your heading Wez.

Tan has found not one bit of fraud or corruption on Sam in the last 4 years a fact and spent a £million in trying to find any, so Tan is now playing a costly childish game as usual and costing the club interest & very expensive legal costs.

too soon to jump down my throat there annis ,I don't know what's gone on and probably nor do you, only the club knows and tbh it all seems to be dalman who's doing this

Wez, If I am wrong to jump straight at you I apologies but I do know whats going on here and Dalman is only acting on Tans orders on this.

the proverbal truth as never come out on anything over past years despite several people saying it will! tan isnt looking at fraud ect ect against sam is he?? that's never been mentioned before only against langston, as for punishing sam!! tan is owner if dont want sam as president so be it, and sam taking tan to court mmm thought sam was nothing to do with langston?? thats who debt is to isn't it?. both parties are like pantomime caractors!

I'd like to think the club will take the pragmatic route of holding back on removing Sam as 'Life President' until the whole matter has been cleared up!

Have to agree with the analogy that the club are punishing Sam for some reason 'other' than the money owed and that (depending on the reason) appears a bit churlish!

From FB


Gareth Hughes
For someone so successful tan is one of the most vindictive people ever. The money wasted on langstone and Malky is beyond a joke. What tan needs to do is let Ken Choo run the club and he needs to keep a low profile. The money wasted on legal action should go into youth development in the the valleys, Barry, Bridgend, PT etc and fighting the jacks who are trying to take over our traditional support areas.

This is Tan own money unless he loans it against the club.

I was under the impression any money going to the academies would come from the running of the club profits.....which means no money is going that way.

Think you are wrong there, the legal fees would be against the club, the club is the one taken legal action,it is not a personel charge by Tan.

Sam Hamman is taking Vincent Tan to court.

Correct Ian, because Tan is playing his usual games and the Circus begins again.

Sam has asked the FAW to get involved because, as I have said repeatedly, he doesn't want certain details to come out in open court.

I will be absolutely amazed if Sam lets this get to a full trial, I would guess he is worried about his reputation with certain sets of supporters otherwise he would have progressed this a lot more quickly already.

All my opinion I accept, however, why else would Tan be stalling on payment ? Unless somebody is going to claim he's running a bit short

From FB


Gareth Hughes
For someone so successful tan is one of the most vindictive people ever. The money wasted on langstone and Malky is beyond a joke. What tan needs to do is let Ken Choo run the club and he needs to keep a low profile. The money wasted on legal action should go into youth development in the the valleys, Barry, Bridgend, PT etc and fighting the jacks who are trying to take over our traditional support areas.

This is Tan own money unless he loans it against the club.

I was under the impression any money going to the academies would come from the running of the club profits.....which means no money is going that way.

Think you are wrong there, the legal fees would be against the club, the club is the one taken legal action,it is not a personel charge by Tan.

Sam Hamman is taking Vincent Tan to court.

But I thought that the debt was with the club not Tan, I know that Tan owns the club, but was the debt changed to Tans debt when the agreement of £15m now and the rest by installments, if not then surely the club would pick up the fees for the legal team.