EFL request ‘further information’ from Charlton Owners

The English Football League have officially sent a letter to Charlton Athletic requesting “further information” regarding ”ongoing ownership issues”, whilst warning the club of the potential consequences if such information is not provided.

Charlton were bought by East Street Investments in January from Belgian Roland Duchatelet, who had owned the club for five years.

But since they purchased the club, they have been unable to provide the source of sufficient funds to run the club until June 2021.

In April, the EFL launched an investigation into ESI’s takeover in relation to potential misconduct. A month beforehand, it was confirmed that Charlton were placed under a transfer embargo, meaning they are unable to sign or retain players without going over their budget.

ESI majority shareholder Tahnoon Nimer sold the company to Manchester-based businessman Paul Elliott in June and is currently awaiting ratification.

A statement by Elliott on the club’s website read: “The club expected the change in ownership control to be approved this week and the transfer embargo lifted, in order that work can begin on the squad for next season.

“Throughout the extensive communication with the league, the club has received numerous requests for information from the EFL and provided responses to the league as soon as it has been requested.

“The club will be in touch with the league on Tuesday morning with aim of getting this process concluded.”

Despite the club’s owners insisting that the outstanding information has been provided to the league, as well as club lawyer Chris Farnell making numerous appearances on Talksport saying that such documentation has been handed in, this seems to not be the case.

The EFL has requested  “further information and a meeting with the club, the current majority owner of ESI and also the proposed new owners, as it seeks to clarify the ongoing ownership issues at the club in the context of the EFL regulations”.

Their statement continued: “The league is aware of the frustrations and concerns the current situation is having on all those associated with the club, including staff, players and supporters, particularly in recent weeks whilst it has attempted to try to work through the various and complex challenges out of the public eye.

“Extensive correspondence has been exchanged in respect of outstanding information still required to be submitted to the EFL and the league will continue to work with the club.

“However, it remains the responsibility of the club and any prospective owner or owners to demonstrate the requirements of the EFL regulations are met.

“The club is aware of the consequences of not meeting those requirements.”

12 months ago, League One side Bury had their EFL membership withdrawn as a result of their owner, Steve Dale, not being able to provide outstanding information to the league despite several warnings.

It has now been made clear that Charlton have received the same message. With just 46 days left until the 2020/21 seasons starts, time is running out for ESI to sort out these disastrous off the field matters.

We can imagine that expulsion is a huge possibility for the club.