The Premier League and Manchester City have defended their decision to allow Thaksin Shinawatra to take control of the club.
The former Thailand Prime Minister has had his record questioned by respected human rights campaigners Amnesty International whilst another organisation, Human Rights Watch, have written to the Premier League questioning whether Shinawatra is a 'fit and proper person' to own a top-flight club.
The Premier League have confirmed their receipt of the letter, which details a number of alleged human rights violations but state that he remains free under United Kingdom law to own a company and he has been thoroughly checked by their system.
"It is important to realise that the Premier League takes its responsibilities surrounding the governance of its clubs very seriously," said a Premier League statement.
"We have very clear rules on the ownership of our clubs, which include the 'Fit and Proper Persons Test (FAPPT)', which go beyond any requirement by UK company law and are, to our knowledge, some of the sternest in place in any UK industry.
"The FAPPT means anyone convicted of a range of offences would not be permitted to become a director, or a shadow director, at a club.
"But what needs to be made clear is that in the first place we accept the primacy of UK and European law. This determines who may, and who may not, legally reside in the UK, own and acquire assets, and engage in commercial and other activities.
"We have responded to Human Rights Watch to assure them of the above facts, and to underline that we will always operate within the law and will take into account any evidence as verified by the appropriate legal process."
City's hierarchy believe that Thaksin is being victimised by the military government in his homeland who are pursuing a personal vendetta against the only man who has won two terms in office in Thailand through democratic elections.
"What seems to have slipped through the minds of some observers of this situation is that Dr Thaksin was the first, and only, Primer Minister of Thailand to be democratically elected twice," said a senior City official.
"He was then the victim of a coup-d'etat from a military junta, who are now actively pursuing anything they possibly can against the man."
