Sol Campbell to sue Portsmouth over image rights
Sol Campbell has dealt another financial blow to his former club Portsmouth after it was confirmed he will sue them for £1.67 million in allegedly unpaid image-rights fees and bonuses.
Campbell, who left on a free transfer to join Notts County in the summer, is seeking the sum plus £60,000 of interest he claims to be owed, and lodged a writ with the High Court earlier this month according to the Daily Telegraph.
Pompey confirmed that they have received a writ from their former centre-half, but a club insider said: "We shall be vigorously defending this action."
Soccernet understands that Campbell is willing to accept a staggered payment in a bid to ensure he isn't perceived as the man who brought the club to its knees, and he is now consulting his lawyers about whether to make a statement or not. He has indicated he is willing to reach a compromise in the timescale of the payment.
His claim equals the entire squad's monthly wage bill, but it is by no means the biggest claim against a club which has debts of £60 million. Indeed, the defender's argument is that he joined on a free transfer, helped them win the FA Cup, and gave them loyal service, and is only claiming the money he believes he is entitled to in his contract.
The writ comes as Portsmouth prepare to appeal against a High Court judge's decision to dismiss their application to have a winding-up petition from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs struck out. The club have argued the VAT portion of its massive tax bill is too high by £7.5 million.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie is due in court on Wednesday over an allegation he cheated the public revenue over the signing-on fee for midfielder Amdy Faye.
