CAUGHT OFFSIDE

AN ENTERTAINING conflict of interest for Tony Fernandes, the Malaysian entrepreneur who is in advanced talks to buy Queens Park Rangers FC, currently enjoying its first spell in the Premier League for 15 years.

Among Fernandes’ business interests is the no-frills hotels chain Tune Hotels, which sponsors all the Premier League referees. If the QPR deal goes through, he could become the first football owner in history to be relieved when his side is relegated.