Pompey hit by transfer ban

Portsmouth have been banned from making new signings until they settle transfer debts owed to other English clubs.

The Premier League blocked Pompey manager Paul Hart’s attempt to sign midfielder Eugen Bopp on Monday. The embargo means Paul Hart will be unable to bring any new players in to Fratton Park until further notice as he seeks to save the troubled club from relegation.

Saudi businessman Ali Al Faraj took over at Portsmouth three weeks ago, buying a 90% stake from previous owner Sulaiman Al Fahim. Israeli mogul Levi Kushnir and Hong Kong-based Balram Chainrai have subsequently emerged as potential investors in the club and have attended proceedings in Tuesday’s 4-0 Carling Cup win over Stoke and Saturday’s 0-0 league draw at Hull.

Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson said: “We can confirm that there is an embargo on Portsmouth registering any new players.”

This comes as more bad news for Paul Hart as the club already lying rock bottom in the Premier League have managed only one win to date.