Gaddafi to buy Palace?

Last updated : 17 July 2004 By Nik Taylor

Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi has been linked with an astonishing plan to buy Palace from current owner Simon Jordan.

"I've been told that Gaddafi and his son are interested in acquiring Palace," Jordan told The Guardian. No official approach has yet been made but Jordan admitted, "if they did, I'd consider it".

Gaddafi, once known as the ‘mad dog of Tripoli’, is no stranger to the world of football and already owns a minority stake in Serie A club Juventus. It is believed he is interested in buying the Eagles to strengthen improving relations with Britain.

Gaddafi’s involvement with Palace would doubtless be met with opposition from fans, but Jordan believes he would be accepted if he came with a promise of success on the field.

"At the end of the day, many people might see Roman Abramovich's involvement at Chelsea as less than palatable, but he is moving the club forward," he said.

"If Gaddafi's money was able to progress Palace and allow them to compete at the top of the tree and be a successful football club, then one would have to take that under consideration."

The revelations come just a month after Ken Bates and former chairman Ron Noades were reported to be considering a bid for Palace.

That move would have been extremely unpopular among Palace fans, and the more cynical among the Selhurst crowd may see Jordan’s latest utterances as some useful PR to make the Noades/Bates takeover appear more attractive.

Whatever happens, one thing seems sure – Jordan’s determination to sell the club remains as strong as ever.