Football News Update: Former Barnsley Directors Fined for Ownership Structure Disclosure Breach

In a significant development in the world of Football, the English Football League (EFL) has imposed hefty fines on former Barnsley directors Paul Conway and Chien Lee for failing to disclose the full details of their proposed ownership structure.

The League One club was charged with multiple breaches of EFL regulations last year, during the period when it was under the ownership of Conway and Lee, who had bought the Tykes in 2017 and left in 2022. Barnsley had stated that the charges were “the result of an investigation initiated by the club,” and the EFL confirmed that the club had “co-operated throughout” the process.

The club has accepted the charges, and there will be no further action taken against them, aside from contributing towards the League’s legal costs for the proceedings.

In a statement, the EFL emphasized the critical importance of clubs providing the League with the necessary information to determine the suitability of owners, directors, and those seeking to control and manage the affairs of the club, as well as the financial viability of a proposed acquisition.

As a result of the breach, Conway was fined £100,000, while Lee was fined £75,000. Both were also warned about their future conduct.

This development is a stark reminder of the strict regulations and transparency requirements that the EFL imposes on club ownership and management, underscoring the League’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and financial stability of the game.

Football enthusiasts will be closely watching the aftermath of this case, as it sets a precedent for the EFL’s approach to ensuring compliance with its regulations across the league.

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