Michael Jackson 2013: Fans, Owners of Fulham F.C. Soccer Team Debate Over Placement of Pop Star's Statue Outside Stadium

The biggest Michael Jackson controversy over the weekend had nothing to do with his family's $40 billion lawsuit against AEG Live nor his daughter Paris's suicide attempt. It revolved around a statue of the pop star outside of the Fulham Premier League soccer team's stadium in London. 

In 2009, the team's former owner Mohamed Al Fayed, an Egyptian businessman, had the statue built in memory of the recently deceased vocalist. Fans of Fulham F.C. organizations are as die-hard as any given English Premier League team, but they haven't been fans of the installation (which is in full color, like a figure at Madame Tussaud's). The team was just purchased however and the fans hope that the Jackson statue leaves with the old owner. 

The buyer, Shad Khan, is under plenty of pressure from both sides of the argument. At a press conference announcing the purchase, Khan attempted to sidestep a question about the figure asked by a reporter. 

"I've been an owner less than a day," he said. "We have to preserve and respect history, but we have to move forward. I'll reflect on it and listen to the fans, then decide."

Perhaps Al Fayed realized that the fans would have his beloved statue removed, so he stepped in, aiming to break Khan. 

"Michael Jackson will stay - it's part of the deal," he said, turning to Khan. "Are you listening to me about Michael Jackson? You promise now? Otherwise ... I will take your mustache off."

Khan is renowned for his mustache and surely doesn't want to lose it. On the other hand, when you pay $220 million for a soccer team, hopeful you've earned the right to do what you will with the stadium decorations. Khan also owns the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.