Football: Saddam and the investor
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.GIOVANNI DI STEFANO'S attempts to invest in the Scottish Premier League club, Dundee, suffered another setback yesterday when he revealed a "friendship" with Saddam Hussein.
The Anglo-Italian businessman has offered to invest around pounds 1m to enable Dundee to upgrade Dens Park and prevent them being demoted because of SPL ground criteria. But the SPL is investigating him because of his links with a Serbian war crimes suspect, Zeljko Raznatovic, known as Arkan.
Di Stefano, who described the potential deal as "a passive but positive investment", spoke openly as he tried to stress knowing controversial politicians did not mean he shared their beliefs. When asked about Raznatovic, Di Stefano said: "My political life has also brought me friendship with Yasser Arafat, Gerry Adams, Saddam Hussein and his son Uday. I am general sales agent for Yugoslavia for Iraqi Airways and visited [Saddam] in Baghdad."
Di Stefano, who aims to become a Euro MP, is concerned at unconfirmed suggestions the Royal Bank of Scotland might cease offering banking facilities to the club if Dundee accept his money. He is currently vice-president of Obilic, the Yugoslav champions, who are owned by Raznatovic.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments