Fulham chairman Mohamed Fayed says his club is not for sale.

There has also been speculation that the Harrods owner is no longer prepared, or able, to bankroll the loss-making club.

But Fayed, who confirmed yesterday’s Standard Sport story that Fulham are set to return to Craven Cottage next year, insists the claims are baseless.

He said: “I have no intention of selling Fulham. I love the club and I have invested too much of myself and my money to just walk away now.

“I want to reassure all our fans that the club is still safe in my hands. I urge fans not to pay attention to these false and malicious rumours.”

Fayed also called on fans who have been slow to buy season tickets this summer to help repay the investment he has made in the club since buying it in 1997.

He added: “It is well known that I have made sacrifices for Fulham and have put more than £100million into saving and building the club.

“I am currently reviewing the plans to refurbish Craven Cottage with a view to returning there next year on a temporary basis.

“But putting in temporary seating will not give us the capacity to make the club financially viable in the long term.

“In the meantime the council is doing its best to help us find a site within the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham which is our home, where we need to stay, and where we can build a modern stadium for up to 40,000 people and realise our dreams for the future.

“Season ticket sales are so far disappointing and I ask our loyal fans to show their commitment by renewing and in return I will guarantee them preference when we return to Craven Cottage.”