- Private audio recordings of president Murthy threatening star player Soler have been leaked to the Spanish press
- Valencia initially publicly backed Murthy before yielding to public pressure and removing the president of 5 years from his position
- Academy director Sean Bai has been appointed acting director general as the search for a new president begins
Valencia have moved to sack club president Anil Murthy after leaked audio from what Murthy calls a “private dinner” made the Spanish press.
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Spanish newspaper Superdeporte published the explosive recordings two weeks ago, with comments directed at star midfielder Carlos Soler not sitting well amongst Valencia supporters:
“If you leave for free in January, I’ll kill you (in the press)”, Murthy stated with regards to 25-year-old Spain international Carlos Soler.
The club initially defended Murthy, who has been club president since 2017, accusing Superdeporte of editing and altering the audio to create a “biassed narrative”.
The support would be short lived, with Valencia confirming Murthy’s departure on Monday 30th May. The move by owner Peter Lim was to “disassociate the club” from Murthy’s personal views, and “regain the trust of the fans and the community“.
The club statement read: “The board would like to clarify that the content of the leaked conversations between Anil Murthy and various third parties are the personal views of Anil Murthy and not of Valencia CF. Valencia CF disassociates itself from his views.“
“The board values the importance of a close relationship between the club, the community, fans, government authorities, media and other stakeholders.“
“The board holds the view that a change in leadership is required, in order to regain the trust of the fans and the community and put Valencia CF in a position for success.”
“Effective immediately, Anil Murthy will cease to be both President and an employee of Valencia CF.”
Valencia has since promoted Sean Bai from his academy directorial role, to acting director general until a suitable replacement is found.
The Mastella club endured another mediocre campaign in La Liga, finishing ninth and winning a solitary 11 games.
