NFL owner faces Michael Jackson controversy after Fulham purchase

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan purchased English Premier League soccer club Fulham on Friday in a deal thought to be worth more than $200 million. He spent Saturday standing on Fulham’s pitch speaking to the London media, and you’d think questions surrounding the team or owning football teams in two countries would dominate.

Except apparently that wasn’t the case.

Now-former team owner Mohamed Al Fayed had a statue of Michael Jackson   yes, thee Michael Jackson   built outside of Fulham’s Craven Cottage Stadium after the “King of Pop” died in 2009. It’s very dear to him, as you can see.

The only problem is that the statue hasn’t been popular with the locals, many of whom want it removed from outside the stadium. And now that Al Fayed no longer owns the team, the burning question surrounds the future of the statue’s existence.

From The Associated Press:

Now that the Cottagers have been sold, might the statue be removed?

Khan hesitated.

“I’ve been an owner less than a day,” he said, searching for a diplomatic response. “We have to preserve and respect history, but we have to move forward. I’ll reflect on it and listen to the fans, then decide.”

There’s no decision to be made, according to Al Fayed.

“Michael Jackson will stay   it’s part of the deal,” the Egyptian said, before adding with Khan in ear-shot: “Are you listening to me about Michael Jackson? You promise now? Otherwise   I will take your moustache off.”

No way Khan can let that happen. Look at how glorious that thing is.