Tahnoon Nimer promises to invest funds in April – and denies any intention to sell Charlton Athletic

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Charlton Athletic’s board have released a statement claiming that Tahnoon Nimer will invest funds in April – and that he is not looking to sell the Championship outfit.

There have been fears aired by Addicks staff whether there is funding in place to pay wages, even before the coronavirus pandemic had such a huge effect on the UK.

And our paper revealed that some of the club’s former directors – who are owed £7million in loans – have warned they will take legal action to unpick East Street Investment’s January takeover.

The EFL have already issued a statement confirming that spending sanctions had been put in place at the start of 2020 due to ESI not meeting their requirements for source and sufficiency of funding.

Charlton have issued their own statement which is on behalf of Nimer – the majority shareholder in ESI – and recently-appointed board members Claudiu Florica and Marian Mihail.

“We appreciate this is a difficult time, the COVID-19 crisis has changed the world for everybody.

“For Charlton fans, there has been uncertainty around the future of the club with a lot in the press and posted on social media. Going forward, the board of directors will look to keep you as up to date as we can through the club’s official media channels.

“We must begin by reiterating that our commitment is to Charlton Athletic. The club is not for sale and the majority shareholder, Tahnoon Nimer, is not looking for a buyer. These are tough times for any professional football club and we are 100 per cent focused on seeing Charlton through this difficult period. This will require investment and the first instalment of that investment will come in April.

“The club has submitted documents for EFL approval to demonstrate the source and sufficiency of funds. The club has also submitted documentation for the new directors, Claudiu Florica and Marian Mihail, for the owners’ and directors’ test.

“The EFL remain supportive and have informed us what remains outstanding.

“The club will remain in contact with the EFL with the aim of providing the necessary information as required by the League as soon as possible, so we can successfully conclude matters.

“We will get everything sorted and football will return but, until then, we wish all Charlton players, staff, fans and their families the very best in these trying times.”