Blackpool FC's owners lose "bitter" High Court battle with the club's president
The Oystons have been ordered to pay more than £31m.
Blackpool football club owners - the Oystons' - have lost a "bitter" High Court battle with the club's president.
The judge has ordered the Oystons' to pay more than 31 millions pounds.
This row has rumbled on for seven years and reached boiling point in the High Court this summer when Valeri Belekon accused the Oystons of using the club as their "personal cash machine."
Today, Judge Smith agreed with Belekon and ruled the Oystons acted "improperly" as they've withdrawn millions since they were promoted to the Premier League.
The judge ruled Belekon should be treated as a 50% owner and the Oystons must now buy his shares for more than 31 million pounds.
The Oystons were refused permission to appeal but it is open to them to apply directly to the Court of Appeal in an attempt to take their case further.
The judge ordered a payment of £10 million to be paid on account within 28 days.
This now leaves the future of the club in doubt.