Prospective Charlton takeover rejected
Prospective Charlton Athletic owner Paul Elliott and lawyer Chris Farnell had their applications to take over the League One club rejected by the EFL last Friday – and now it is understood that their involvement in the club is over.
It was confirmed today by SLP journalist Rochard Cawley that Farnell’s position as club solicitor had been terminated by Tahnoon Nimer – the original majority shareholder of East Street Investments when they took over in January – and subsequently has brought an abrupt end to his and Elliott’s appeal against the EFL’s decision.
Had a statement from Chris Farnell…..
— Richard Cawley (@RichCawleySLP) August 12, 2020
"I have been informed by one of the club’s directors that my relationship with Charlton Athletic FC has been brought to an end.
In a statement, Farnell said: “I have been informed by one of the club’s directors that my relationship with Charlton Athletic FC has been brought to an end. It was always my intention to provide Charlton Athletic FC with legal assistance and advice in my capacity as a lawyer, for a short period. I was never a director or owner of the football club, nor was I ever intending to be.
“Once it became clear that one of the consequences of the boardroom dispute at Charlton was it’s likely expulsion from the football league, I focused my efforts on trying to facilitate the orderly running of the club as best I could in what were very challenging circumstances. The significant work undertaken, against the back drop of intense speculation, much of which was inaccurate and misinformed, I believe greatly improves the prospects of Charlton Athletic FC remaining in the EFL.
“I sincerely hope this is the case and the fans get the stability and success they and their club deserve. I wish them all the best.”
It is now believed by BBC Sport that Paul Elliott is taking legal advice about the takeover, as he claims to have a ‘legally binding agreement with Nimer to take control of the club that cannot be unilaterally changed.’
Charlton are under threat of being in the same situation as Bury, who were kicked out of the league last season after failing to provide evidence of funding. Chris Farnell, the now former Charlton lawyer, was also behind the scenes at the Shakers.
We will not be beaten #SaveCAFC #cafc 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/CzI6dkPLxB
— Tyler Rowlinson (@tylerowlinson02) August 11, 2020
Last night, Addicks fans begun #SaveCAFC on Twitter, in an attempt to get the message across to people and get people talking about and understanding the seriousness of the club’s situation. The social media movement got to Number One trending in the UK, with several people like Bianca Westwood, Charlton club journalist Olly Groome and commentators Greg Stubley and Terry Smith, Amazon Prime Sport and Bury AFC tweeting the hashtag, as well as several other fans from other clubs getting involved and sharing their concerns for the club.
