An official statement about the release is expected to be issued on Michael's Web site later today (Sept. 17), but a source within Sony Music denied tabloid reports that the label was distancing itself from the star, who is no longer under contract to Sony.
"We're very supportive of George," said the source. "'Faith' was a culturally important album for Sony Music and we want to do the right thing by him. He may not be signed to us any more but he'll remain important to us forever."
Faith initially released in 1987, was Michael's debut album as a solo artist. It hit No. 1 on both sides of the Atlantic and went on to sell a reported 20 million copies worldwide.
Michael was sentenced to eight weeks in jail on Sept. 14 after pleading guilty to driving under the influence and possession of cannabis following a July 4 collision between his car and a Snappy Snaps store in north London.