Yahya Kirdi, the "mystery billionaire" linked with Carlisle United for nearly two years, has broken his silence - and made a string of controversial claims about the Brunton Park saga.

Among them, in an extraordinary interview, is an accusation from the Syrian businessman that United failed even to respond to the formal investment offer he tabled.

Kirdi - whose identity was officially confirmed by United this week - also alleges there is a "magic hand" at work inside the Blues who never wanted his investment in the first place, and was instead eyeing future "profits".

The businessman, now president of Maltese Premier League club Naxxar Lions, also hits out at perceived leaks during confidential talks, and says there were attempts to smear him as a "pizzaman" - a reference to businesses he owned in Canada several years ago.

Kirdi further claims he was asked to pay between £400,000-500,000 into the club's account during negotiations - refusing to do so - and that United's chief executive Nigel Clibbens does not have a contract at the club.

He also accuses the Blues of "using him" in a bid to provoke an investment approach from another businessman.

Kirdi, meanwhile, denied that he is a "billionaire", despite being described as such by former United vice-president Andy Bell, that term also endorsed by co-owner John Nixon.

One of his main allegations is that, after submitting his offer in February last year, the club did not respond to calls and emails over a two-week period, leaving him "very upset".

He said: "I used my money, I used my time. At least just answer email: 'Mr Kirdi, we are not interested, good luck'. They don't respect me, they don't respect fans."

On his belief that dark forces were operating inside Brunton Park, Kirdi added: "I believe you have [someone] not happy in case I come and take control. You have some magic hand down table. I don't know who."

He says references to the 650-day timescale, between United's announcements of "genuine and firm" interest on May 19, 2015 and the end of talks on February 27, 2017, are inaccurate because he was never informed of Carlisle's decision.

Kirdi - linked with Liverpool in 2010 - claims he had big plans to revamp United, including work on the stadium, academy, and in sponsorship and commercial work.

In response, United refuted many of Kirdi's claims.

They said they "met all deadlines and maintained full communications at all times", including the period after Kirdi's offer had been tabled, and described the "magic hand" and "pizzaman" claims as "bogus".

The Blues admitted asking Kirdi for a payment as proof of his financial commitment, but also said they went "well beyond reasonable expectations" in trying to reach a deal and maintain confidentiality.

United did not comment on the fact he denied being a "billionaire" - Kirdi claiming to be a millionaire instead - while, on Clibbens, the club said the chief executive does have a contract, "but this was not in place in 2016."

  • Read the full interview in this week's edition of The Cumberland News