Shelbourne Football Club today wrote to controversial legal figure Giovanni di Stephano stating that they "no longer wish to pursue his proposed negotiation for the purchase of investment in the club".

The statement and letter in full was published on the club's website www.shelbournefc.ie. The letter, penned by Shels boss Ollie Byrne, notes the considerable interest generated in recent days since the former advisor to Saddam Hussein and Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic announced his interest in the club.

Byrne went on to say that he was surprised Di Stephano - nicknamed 'The Devil's Advocate' - decided to release details to the media before making an approach to the Drumcondra club. As a result Byrne added it is "no longer possible for me to take your expression of interest any further".