and including local businessman Paul Guy. In March 2008, Cardiff City began a court case against financial backers Langston over the repayment of a loan believed to be worth around £31 million. During the hearing the barrister representing the club named Sam Hammam as the man they believe to be behind the company. No settlement was reached in the case. In July 2013, following Cardiff City's promotion to the Premier League, it emerged that Malaysian businessman Vincent Tan, who had taken effective control of the club in 2010, was in advanced talks with Hammam – confirmed as Langston's spokesman – about repayment of the loan, then thought to be around £24 million. Four days later, on 18 July 2013, Tan announced that an "amicable resolution" had been reached between Cardiff City and Langston over the debt issue, with Sam Hammam becoming a life president of the club. Hammam confirmed this in an interview with the BBC on 24 July, requesting that fans of the club back the Malaysian owner. However, in March 2022, an out of court settlement was reached between Hammam and club owner Vincent Tan which saw this life presidency role relinquished and all ties severed with the football club; following a legal dispute reportedly concerning the terms and the conditions of the role. Controversy Hammam has achieved a level of notoriety in British football for his unusual antics at matches, frequently walking around the pitchside during games, and his eccentric methods of publicising himself and his players. On at least one occasion he made a player eat sheep's testicles prior to signing with Cardiff City. References 1947 births Living people Lebanese businesspeople English football chairmen and investors Wimbledon F.C. Cardiff City F.C. directors and chairmen