CARD issue statement on EFL ruling on Charlton Athletic verdict – and are seeking removal of ESI

The Coalition Against Roland Duchatelet have issued a statement today – stating they want the removal of East Street Investments.

The EFL released a statement of their own today which revealed they had rejected three individuals who were looking to pass their owners’ and directors’ test.

And CARD, who have previously protested over the running of the Addicks under Duchatelet, are seeking a change of hierarchy.

ESI took control of the club at the start of January but have acted without EFL approval and that has led to a player embargo. It is understood the governing body have blocked the planned signings of Alex Gilbey and Connor Washington from Milton Keynes and Hearts respectively.

“The Coalition Against Roland Duchatelet (CARD) welcomes today’s developments surrounding the ownership of Charlton Athletic, including the EFL’s decision to reject three individuals from exercising authority over the club under its owners’ and directors’ test,” said CARD in their statement.

“While we have long been frustrated by the EFL’s failure to get to grips with the situation at Charlton, it is entirely right that they should seek to protect the integrity of their competition and our club where the evidence points to such people being unsuitable.

“The imperative now is to remove ESI from the club and achieve a situation where it can be passed on to former chief executive Peter Varney and businessman Andrew Barclay, or others of similar standing.

“We are also aware that there has been a direct intervention by Charlton fans at the offices of lawyer Chris Farnell in Hale this afternoon and we congratulate those involved.

“The resolution of this turbulent period in the club’s history will necessarily involve former owner Roland Duchatelet. We urge Charlton directors Tahnoon Nimer, Claudiu Florica and Marian Mihail to facilitate early discussions with Varney and Duchatelet’s representatives.

“We recognise that this is worrying time for Charlton supporters and for the club’s staff and players, and clearly there are significant risks, but we have confidence in Varney/Barclay’s intentions and in the determination of the council leadership in Greenwich to block any attempt to redevelop The Valley.

“CARD will support whatever lawful actions are necessary to further the aim of reuniting the club and the ground under one ownership, so that we can begin to rebuild our football club.”