Where could a Russian billionaire stay?
IF Sergei Matvienko
had booked his first stay in the UK in advance, he could be looking forward to jousting matches and banquets at Belvoir castle.
But the search for accommodation in Notts for the billionaire and his 40-strong entourage continues.
Mr Matvienko, whose mother is the governor of St Petersburg, insisted he wanted to stay at Nottingham Castle for his first visit to the city.
But the 35-year-old has been disappointed that the castle has no rooms for people to stay in.
"I was looking forward to learning more about Robin Hood while staying at this historical place during our short stay," he said.
He is coming to Nottingham for the M-1 challenge, a Mixed Martial Arts tournament.
Two five-man teams will compete in a boxing ring at Harvey Hadden stadium in Bilborough on September 27. The teams competing will be the Red Devils versus the USA, and Russia Legion versus Europe.
As the key investor in the tournament, Mr Matvienko was hoping to make his stay in Nottingham special by staying at the castle.
But with his dream thwarted, the group will now have to start looking at other venues – and there are no shortage of places willing to put up the billionaire and his friends.
Possibilities for the group – which will include the most famous and highest paid MMA fighter in the world and captain of the Red Devils, Fedor Emelianenko and his younger brother Aleksander – now include Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest and Jurys Inn.
Belvoir Castle is fully-booked for the fight weekend.
The M-1 Challenge is taking place in Nottingham because it could not be arranged in the US. M-1 global approached Warrior promotions, which is organising the bout and holds regular fights at Harvey Hadden in Bilborough.
The event will feature other fights including a rematch between Nottingham's Wayne Buck and Matteo Minonzio.
8 Comments
by JOHN GERNAB, SHERWOOD
Wednesday, September 17 2008, 2:01AM
“I THINK HES A COMPLETE DICK”
by Paul, Nottingham
Tuesday, September 16 2008, 5:08PM
“Raymede Drive Bestwood - theres plenty of empty homes for him there !!!!!!”
by Stuart, Sutton in Ashfield
Tuesday, September 16 2008, 3:48PM
“'Sergei Matvienko has said only Nottingham Castle will be good enough for him and his entourage'
Who does he think he is?!!
Has anyone mentioned to him about the homeless in Nottingham, and that we have an ever increasing number of families in hostiles?
Or, the problems being faced by thousands of home owner, not only in Nottingham but across the country, facing ever increasing difficulties in making their next mortgage payments!! Then having to face repossession and bankruptcy!
Maybe someone should tell the arrogant, self important pratt how insulting his comments are!
If there was living space at the castle, looking at it from an Equal Opportunities, and a humanitarian perspective, he would be way down on the list of likely occupants!”
by Mike, Arnold
Tuesday, September 16 2008, 2:34PM
“If hes fighting at harvey hadden, surely staying in Broxtowe would make commuting a lot easier. He could rip the SITEX off a house on COLEBY ROAD and put some plumbing in, it would proabably cost him £20 a night.”
by Denz, Old Basford
Tuesday, September 16 2008, 1:21PM
“I'm surprised at the castle turning this down. They've got a royal chambers he could have used, where King David II of the Scots is supposed to have stayed.
It might be a dungeon, but I'm sure a bucket can be put in the corner to make it an authentic en-suite experience.”
by Vic, Bramcote
Tuesday, September 16 2008, 10:39AM
“Like the Robin Hood idea!”
by Sal, Nottm
Tuesday, September 16 2008, 9:56AM
“Why not try Georgia, I'm sure he'd be made welcome there!”
by Natalie, Walsall
Tuesday, September 16 2008, 9:51AM
“He could camp out in Sherwood Forest for the full Robin Hood experience!”