Wrexham chief ‘faces grilling in parliament’ after disqualification scandal
A key figure of Wrexham’s hierarchy could be called to answer questions in parliament.
Shaun Harvey, the director of Wrexham, may be questioned by a parliamentary committee on his role in Dai Yongge’s 2017 acquisition of Reading. One of the driving forces behind the development of the Welsh team, the 55-year-old was the EFL’s CEO eight years ago when Chinese billionaire Yongge was officially announced as Reading’s new owner.
Following his disqualification under the EFL’s owners’ and directors’ test and his deadline of May 8 to sell the club, Yongge’s turbulent career at Reading is finally coming to an end. The Berkshire team has lost a total of 18 points since 2021 due to financial issues that have plagued them during his tenure. The deal to buy from Yongge has finally been concluded by Rob Couhig, the former owner of Wycombe Wanderers.
It is permitted for Premier League executives to have a say in possible acquisitions of EFL teams that might be in their league. Nonetheless, Yongge’s purchase was approved by the board and then-EFL CEO Harvey due to the “absence of any disqualifying condition.”
Since Yongge took over the club, Yuan Yang, a Labour MP and one of the most vocal advocates in parliament for an Independent Regulator for Football (IRF), has now proposed that an investigation into Reading’s past be conducted. Harvey’s story might be of interest to the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) because he was the EFL’s CEO at the time.
Rob Couhig’s purchase of Reading will include their stadium and training ground
“I’m speaking to a DCMS committee about what we can do. I’m sure they will be able to consider actions. I would like there to be a proper inquiry into what’s gone on.”
The Welsh club, which is owned by Hollywood A-listers Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, has been successful thanks in large part to Harvey, who starred in the Welcome to Wrexham Netflix documentary. Wrexham needed just one more game to guarantee their promotion to the Championship.
Wrexham was bought by McElhenney and Reynolds in 2020 for £2 million. The actors have since contributed millions more to this incredible endeavour, which has been promoted three times in a row.
