THE Malaysian businessman who met Sandy Easdale, chairman of Rangers' football board, has strongly rebutted claims from the club that a convicted fraudster was his advisor.
Datuk Faizoull Bin Ahmad, who had talks with Easdale last week, has told a newspaper in his homeland that he did not know - far less employ - Rafat Rizvi, the convicted criminal who is being sought by Interpol.
Ahmad also said a fellow, unnamed countryman was interested in buying the Glasgow club. Rizvi's appearance in the city led to calls from a fans' group for a boycott of Rangers matches after reports that he was in talks to provide investment at Rangers.
Rangers later issued a statement insisting they were not aware Rizvi was attending the meeting and said the talks concerned forging links in youth development connections between Rangers and Malaysian football. They also claimed Rizvi was Bin Ahmad's advisor.
The statement said of the meeting with Ahmad, chairman of Felda United, a Malaysian Super League side: "The visit was organised as part of ongoing discussions between Rangers and Felda United with regard to a potential youth development partnership. Mr Rafat Rizvi arrived with the Malaysian delegation without our prior knowledge. He is an advisor to Mr Bin Ahmad." However, reports of the meeting caused unease in Malaysia and Ahmad was placed under pressure from politicians to explain why he was consorting with a convicted criminal.
He said: "I have no idea who Rafat Rizvi is. The report claiming I know Rizvi is false."
He also insisted he has no intention of being involved in any investment in the financially stricken Ibrox club, though he said an unnamed associate is weighing up an investment offer for the Championship side.
He added: "I went there because I like the way the club is supported by its community. I didn't know it was in trouble. I went with Felda United FC's good intentions at heart and was thinking about how we could benefit from the community involvement the Scottish club possesses.
"I want to incorporate that into Felda United. So, when my friend invited me over to take a look at Glasgow Rangers, I went thinking that it was a great opportunity for Felda. Nothing else." He said, though, a fellow Malaysian "has the intention of buying Glasgow Rangers."
Rizvi is on Interpol's wanted list after he was found guilty of corruption and money laundering. He is also wanted in Indonesia for banking crimes and would serve a prison sentence of 15 years if he returned.
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