Carson Yeung gets approval from Premier League for Birmingham takeover

The Premier League has approved the appointment of Carson Yeung as a director of Birmingham as the Hong Kong businessman moves closer to a formal takeover of the club.

Earlier this week Yeung's company Grandtop International Holdings increased their share capital in the club to 81.7% with a view to the deal being finalised in early October, and now the Premier League have given their approval to Yeung and associate Vico Hui Ho Luek as directors of the midlands club.

A statement from Grandtop to the Stock Exchange read: "The Premier League has confirmed to Grandtop that it has no objection to Grandtop increasing its stake in Birmingham City PLC to over 30%.

"The Premier League has also confirmed that Carson Yeung Ka Sing and Vico Hui Ho Luek qualify for appointment as directors of Birmingham City FC and that their appointment as directors of the club may, so far as the Premier League is concerned, proceed."