London - A legal battle between an Arab sheikh and US pop legend Michael Jackson opened at the High Court in London Monday over a breach-of-contract claim involving 4.7 million pounds (7 million dollars).

Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad al-Khalifa, second son of the King of Bahrain, is suing Jackson for allegedly reneging on a "pay-back" agreement designed to repay money he advanced to Jackson during his worst financial troubles over the star's Neverland ranch.

The sheikh claims that he and Jackson entered into a "combined rights agreement" (CRA), under which the troubled superstar was committed to a recording contract, the production of an autobiography and a musical stage play.

But Jackson is contesting the claim, insisting there was no valid agreement and that the sheikh's case is based on "mistake, misrepresentation and undue influence."

In his pleaded defence, Jackson said the payments he received were "gifts."

The court heard that an application would be made for Jackson to give evidence via videolink during the proceedings set up for 12 days.

Sheikh Abdullah is the governor of the Southern Governate of Bahrain and head of the country's Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife.

He is also the founder of the 2 Seas Group, an entertainment and record production label, and says he became Jackson's close friend during the star's six-month stay in Bahrain in 2005.