The Sky Sports story about Matt Southall trying to take back control of Charlton was withdrawn, possibly for legal reasons. The most authoritative account is available from the BBC, with Chris Farnell alleging it was a legal stunt: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53377527
However, the tireless Richard Cawley from the SLP has been doing some investigating and is promising to do some more tomorrow. He has said that it is very difficult to get answers (from anyone involved). However, he notes that the Companies House shenanigans just underlines the absolute lack of clarity.
He has submitted questions to ESI, but they decided not to reply, given that they were waiting for a response from the EFL. He asked whether it was lawful to own a football club and not inform Companies House. He also asked whether Mohammed El Khashasy was involved before the recent ownership change when Tahnoon Nimer was in control.
His understanding is that the EFL have gone back to ESI. He is not sure what was said, but there has been a response.
The filing history for ESI, formerly registered at The Valley and now at 62-66 Deansgate, can be seen here: https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/12312818/filing-history
What is evident is that a tussle is taking place over a club that is in serious difficulties. VOTV editor Rick Everitt thinks that the chances of administration have increased and that might lead to Roland being forced to accept a more realistic price.
However, there is also a risk that we could be back to 1984 and the club could be liquidated. The EFL is running out of patience with Charlton given their stretched resources in the face of the pandemic, although it is likely that there will be a ruling from them this week.
Those who argue that the EFL is not fit for purpose should remember that it is a limited company whose primary legal duty is to its shareholders (the clubs). It is not set up to be a regulatory body, nor is it is capable of being one, which is why that function needs to be given to an independent body.
It is not all that interested in the fans. It is often said that football is nothing without the fans. However, hardly any Premier League clubs earn more than 25 per cent of their income from match day and for many it is as little as five per cent. The world wide followers are more important in revenue terms.
With some Premier League games free to air, I have been able to watch them (Sky is banned by the local council). I can't say the absence of crowds bothers me all that much.
No comments:
Post a Comment