The club were informed late last night by letter the property tycoon has successfully passed their fit-and-proper person test.

It means he is now free to become owner and chairman of the Blues.

Al Fahim is currently in the process of putting the finishing touches to the deal to take the club from Sacha Gaydamak.

But they are only formalities.

A statement released by Pompey said: 'The owners of Portsmouth Football Club are pleased to announce that an agreement in principle has been reached over the sale of the club to Al Fahim Asia Associates (AFAA) and, as a result, Sulaiman Al Fahim, the sole owner and chairman of AFAA, will join the existing four-member board of Portsmouth Football Club as chairman with immediate effect.

'The appointment of Sulaiman Al Fahim follows confirmation by the FA Premier League that he has passed its criteria to be deemed a fit-and-proper person to control a Premier League club.

'Al Fahim is the first person to pass the new fit-and-proper-person test.'

The new owner added: 'I very much look forward to working closely with the club's management and supporters to develop Portsmouth Football Club and deliver future success.

'The club has a long and fine history of achievement that I intend to build on.'

Peter Storrie has agreed to continue as chief executive officer of the club.

He said: 'This appointment brings stability to the club and is excellent news for Pompey supporters.

'I have every reason to believe that together with the new chairman we will be able to take the club forward to further achievements, building on the successes of the past three years.'

An earlier statement released by the Premier League said: 'The Premier League can confirm that Mr Al Fahim has submitted all the documentation required to satisfy our fit-and-proper-persons test.

'Based on the information provided the League has found no reason why Mr Al Fahim would be liable to be disqualified as a director of a Premier League club.

'Accordingly we have advised Portsmouth FC that his appointment may proceed.

'As with all changes in club ownership the Premier League will continue to monitor any material changes in circumstance.'

Paul Hart will now be officially unveiled as Blues boss following a successful three-and-a-half month spell last season.

During that time, the former Nottingham Forest manager steered the Blues to Premier League safety, ultimately by a comfortable margin.

He will now take charge of the side at Havant & Waterlooville tonight as Pompey's pre-season campaign kicks-off against at West Leigh Park (7.45pm).

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