Thailand’s Supreme Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of former Prime Minister and current owner of Manchester City, Thaksin Shinawatra on corruption charges.
Thaksin, who was ousted in a military coup last year, failed to attend court in the Thai capital, Bangkok.
Since his removal from power he has been living in the UK and recently bought City.
Thaksin had been ordered to appear at the hearing to answer charges that he abused his power while in office, by helping his wife buy land from a state agency at a favourable price.
He denies the charges and claimsthe charges against him are politically motivated.
The court ordered that he appear in time for a new hearing on 25 September.
“The court has approved arrest warrants against the two suspects,” Judge Tonglor Chomngarm said. “Both should be brought before the court.”
Thailand’s attorney-general and the prosecution have indicated that they could seek Mr Thaksin’s extradition from the UK if he does not turn up at the next hearing.
If Mr Thaksin is convicted, the ruling could pose a problem for the Premier League, as he might – as the new owner of Manchester City football club – be deemed to be in breach of the League’s rules.
