Valencia sack club president Anil Murthy after leaked audio scandal

Valencia have sacked their club president, Anil Murthy, after leaked audio was published in which he threatened to “kill” a player in the press if they left for free.

Two weeks ago, Spanish newspaper Superdeporte published an audio recording of Murthy which they said was from a private dinner in April.

In it, Murthy is alleged to have said, “If you leave for free in January, I’ll kill you (in the press)”, with regards to 25-year-old Spain international Carlos Soler.

Valencia initially defended Murthy, who was appointed president in 2017, accusing Superdeporte of running a “smear campaign” and alleging that the recordings were “edited and adulterated to convey a false or biased narrative”.

But on Monday, Valencia confirmed Murthy’s departure, citing the need to “regain the trust of the fans”.

A 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 hold 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 have appointed Sean Bai, the directory of their academy, as acting director general on an interim basis.

The Mestalla club say they will begin searching for Murthy’s successor immediately, with Khojama Kalimuddin acting as president of their board of directors for the time being.

Valencia finished ninth in La Liga, winning 11 of their 38 matches.

ncG1vNJzZmismJqutbTLnquim16YvK57k2pub21janxzfJFrZmltX2h9cMLApZynm5mWerStwqRknKSll3qxvsSsoJ2dnql6orrIpWSmraKptbp5wJ%2BrnqpdobKit8SdZJqtlJ68br%2FCmqWdmZxk