News Directory

Degraded from Premier League Portsmouth

LONDON (AFP) - Portsmouth Saturday Club relegated from the English Premier League after victory over Sunderland 1-0 West Ham made it impossible for the team that occupies a key out of the Premier League's bottom three positions.

Portsmouth will compete in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, and knowing that their position for seven years in the Premier League will soon be over.

Their fate is determined by goals from Brazilian striker, Araujo Ilan in the 51st minute at Upton Park.

The highest position that can be reached Portsmouth, who still has five games, was 29 points, but it can not make it out of the relegation zone.

Portsmouth, which is estimated to have debts of more than 76 million pounds (117 million U.S. dollars) had effectively been relegated last month at the Premier League reduce the number nine because it declared bankruptcy.

Their financial difficulties have been reflected in the failure of England's south coast club to pay the salaries of staff and the players on time for four times since August, and unrest in the club's board, which means that the club has had four owners this season.