Andrew Barclay: EFL need to make statement now over Charlton Athletic ownership

Andrew Barclay has called on the EFL to make a statement over Charlton Athletic’s ownership – after a court case yesterday saw former chairman Matt Southall hit with a £21,000 legal bill.

Barclay is interested in buying the Championship side and has joined forces with Peter Varney, who used to be chief executive during the Addicks’ extended Premier League stay, to try and get a deal done.

But so far Roland Duchatelet, who still owns The Valley and the training ground, is insistent he has a deal in place with East Street Investments. ESI’s agreement means they have a five-year window to buy The Valley and Sparrow’s Lane training complex.

EFL need to make a statement on CAFC situation ASAP and most importantly FOLLOW IT THROUGH with action

— Andrew Barclay (@andrewdbarclay) July 18, 2020

A remote court hearing on Friday ruled that Southall had unlawfully changed the status of ESI directors.

Barclay’s move for Charlton is only likely to be able to step up if the EFL do not approve ESI’s takeover of the club.

ESI claimed to be in control from the start of January but the EFL were not satisfied over the source and sufficiency of funding along with the owners and directors test.

The structure of ESI has changed since then with Tahnoon Nimer – reportedly the individual bankrolling the bid – announcing in June that he had sold the club, which had been bought for £1, to Paul Elliott. But Companies House still lists Nimer as one of the club’s directors along with Romanian trio Claudiu Florica, Andrei Mihail, Marian Mihail and lawyer Chris Farnell.

ESI have declined to answer questions from the South London Press, indicating they are waiting for the EFL to complete their process.

There had been indications to our paper that the EFL could comment this week, but no statement has been issued.

Barclay tweeted: “Details in the court hearing were very very concerning. EFL need to make a statement soon to give everyone some clarity over what is going on and how it can be resolved.

Details in the court hearing were very very concerning.
EFL need to make a statement soon to give everyone some clarity over what is going on and how it can be resolved.

— Andrew Barclay (@andrewdbarclay) July 18, 2020

“EFL need to make a statement on CAFC situation ASAP and most importantly FOLLOW IT THROUGH with action.

“Too much attention being placed on people who have no power or say. Most of the focus and debate has shifted towards them. It’s a waste of time. There are two groups who ultimately have control here and we need them all at the table to move forward from this.”