Former Fulham FC owner Mohamed Al-Fayed has passed away at the age of 94. Al-Fayed, who took charge of the London club in 1997, played a pivotal role in transforming Fulham from the third tier of English football to the top flight and even into Europe. His tenure as owner saw the club achieve remarkable success, including promotions and a memorable run in the Europa League. Al-Fayed’s passing marks the end of an era for Fulham, but his legacy will forever be remembered.
Al-Fayed, born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1929, was no stranger to success. Before acquiring Fulham for a reported £30 million, he famously owned the prestigious Harrods department store in London. His purchase of Fulham in 1997 was met with excitement and anticipation from fans, who were eager to see what he could bring to the club.
Under Al-Fayed’s leadership, Fulham experienced one of the most successful periods in its history. In the 2000-01 season, the club achieved its third promotion in just five seasons, securing a place in English football’s top flight for the first time since 1968. This accomplishment was a testament to Al-Fayed’s vision and commitment to the club’s success.
The pinnacle of Fulham’s achievements during Al-Fayed’s ownership came in May 2010 when they reached the final of the Europa League. The team faced off against Atletico Madrid in a thrilling match that ended with a 2-1 victory for the Spanish side in extra time. Although Fulham fell short of lifting the trophy, their journey to the final was a remarkable feat and showcased the progress the club had made under Al-Fayed’s stewardship.
However, Al-Fayed’s time as Fulham owner was not without controversy. One of the most notable incidents was his decision to erect a statue of his close friend, the late Michael Jackson, outside Craven Cottage. The statue sparked debate among fans and the wider football community, with many questioning its relevance to the club. Despite the controversy, Al-Fayed remained steadfast in his support of the statue and his friendship with Jackson.
In July 2013, Al-Fayed made the decision to sell Fulham to current owner Shahid Khan. The transition marked the end of an era for the club, but Al-Fayed’s contribution was widely recognized and praised. The Fulham Supporters’ Trust expressed their gratitude to Al-Fayed for his role in the club’s “wonderful progression” and acknowledged the positive impact he had during his ownership.
Al-Fayed’s passing has left a void in the Fulham community, but his legacy will live on. His dedication and vision propelled the club to new heights and brought joy to countless fans. Fulham Football Club paid tribute to Al-Fayed on Twitter, expressing their sadness at his passing and acknowledging the debt of gratitude they owe him. The thoughts of the club and its supporters are with Al-Fayed’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Mohamed Al-Fayed is survived by his second wife, Heini Wathen, and their four children. His impact on Fulham FC and English football as a whole will not be forgotten. As fans reflect on his tenure as owner, they will remember the remarkable journey he led the club on and the indelible mark he left behind. Mohamed Al-Fayed’s legacy will forever be etched in Fulham’s history.