Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has today announced the appointment of his son Karim Fayed as the club’s vice chairman.

The Egyptian businessman took over the west London club in 1997 and has overseen their rise from the third tier to the Barclays Premier League.

Al Fayed remains at the Fulham helm 15 years on and has today moved to show his continued commitment by appointing son Fayed, who is currently a director at the club, to the position of vice chairman with immediate effect.

“I am very happy to be given this role,” Karim Fayed said in a statement. “I share my dad’s passion and commitment to this club from its glorious past heritage, to its long-term future and growth.”

On the appointment, Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh added: “I am delighted that the chairman has appointed Karim as vice chairman of the Football Club. He has been actively involved in all aspects of the club over recent months, both with the football team and with the constantly growing off-field activity. This reward is an appropriate recognition of his additional contribution and support.”