Hammam was Cardiff City chairman until 2006 after six years in charge

Cardiff City have denied that controversial former chairman and owner Sam Hammam is returning to the club.

Following media speculation, Cardiff issued a statement to say he would not be returning "in any capacity".

The club said the only meetings due to take place relate to the club's debt to the Langston Corporation, the company with which Hammam is closely connected.

Cardiff say their primary aim is to re-establish a "sensible and balanced business footing".

Hammam brought an end to his six-year tenure as Cardiff City chairman in October 2006 after agreeing to sell his majority shareholding, with former Leeds United chief Peter Ridsdale taking over the role at the south Wales club.

The Bluebirds admitted on Wednesday that some staff wages had been delayed because of money transfer problems.

The club is thought to have debts of more than £20m, although investment from a Malaysian-based consortium helped stave off a winding-up order over a £1.9m tax bill.

Media reports on Thursday speculated that talks were due to take place between the Malaysian backers and Hammam, with the Lebanese former owner wanting to take charge of football matters.

The club has seen a number of changes at the top in recent months following the Malaysian involvement.

There are no plans to have Mr Hammam return to the club in any capacity Cardiff City statement

Ridsdale stepped down as Cardiff City chairman in April, with Gethin Jenkins - recruited from the Newport Gwent Dragons rugby union regional team - then appointed as chief executive to run the club on a day-to-day basis.

But Cardiff have categorically denied "the imminent return of former owner Sam Hammam".

"Cardiff City Football Club confirm that there are no plans to have Mr Hammam return to the club in any capacity," the club statement said.

"The only scheduled meetings due to take place are those being brokered through the club's solicitors and relate to the Langston debts.

"The club reaffirms its primary aim is to get the organisation back on a sensible and balanced business footing and to work through the challenges of the various debts, cash-flow issues and other basic business functions in order to get the football club successfully competing on the pitch and stable off it."

In December the club announced a settlement with Langston Corporation over the £15m debt taken out in 2004, which removed the threat of any further legal action in the "foreseeable future".

Then-chairman Ridsdale thanked Hammam for helping to reach the agreement.

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