Former Portsmouth owner Sulaiman al Fahim quit the club today and plans to pass on his shareholding to the supporters' trust.
Al Fahim sold Portsmouth to Ali Al Faraj in October — just four months after his own takeover — but retained a 10 per cent stake and was made non‑executive chairman.
The businessman has now severed all links with the Premier League strugglers although a spokesman for Portsmouth said: "Last week he was reported to be interested in buying the club again. This is something of a surprise."
Portsmouth, who face a winding up order in the High Court next week, could soon have a fifth owner this season after chief executive Peter Storrie revealed he is waiting to receive proof of funds from a South African consortium.
"If proof can come through bona fide banks, then [owner] Balram Chainrai is willing to get the deal done," said Storrie.
"The ball is very much in their court to show us they have the actual funds."
