Leyton Orient finally pay players and staff wages for March after EFL vow to do ‘everything’ to help
Governing body say silence from the O's owner Francesco Becchetti is 'not acceptable'
LEYTON ORIENT have finally paid players and staff their wages for March - after the English Football League vowed to do "everything"; to help.
EFL bosses expressed their "exceptional concern" and vowed to do "everything it can" to ensure the survival of Leyton Orient.
The League Two side, who were relegated to the Conference on Saturday, had not paid their staff for TWO MONTHS.
That forced several people out of their homes due to being unable to pay their mortgages.
Employees earlier today were still yet to hear anything about the owed wages owed from the club’s Italian directors.
The EFL issued the below statement on Monday evening regarding the situation, saying owner Francesco Becchetti's silence was "not acceptable" to their queries.
The statement said: “The EFL remains exceptionally concerned about the current situation at Leyton Orient.
“We are also aware of the frustration being expressed by the Club’s staff. This is shared by the EFL Executive, as we are similarly seeking answers to a number of important questions from the Directors of the Club. Silence is not an acceptable response.
“The EFL last met with Leyton Orient Chief Executive, Alessandro Angelieri on March 9. At this meeting, we received confirmation that funds would be made available to dismiss the winding up petition and fund the Club going forward.
“The EFL Board received an update on the situation at its meeting on April 6 with the Club being asked to provide a further commitment following widespread reporting that the required funding had not been made available. No response has been received to date.
“The EFL Executive are continuing to work with the Club’s dedicated staff to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for Saturday’s final home game of the season and we would like to place on record our thanks for those that are making this possible, including the local Safety Advisory Group.
“Additionally, a meeting has been arranged with Leyton Orient Fans’ Trust, to try and keep those parties with the Club’s best interests at heart, united.”
It continued: “There has been significant comment in recent days about the EFL’s Owners’ & Directors’ Test in the context of the ownership of Leyton Orient. It is important that supporters understand that the Test governs the eligibility of who is able to own a club; it does not also ensure that those individuals have the capability to manage it properly.
“The role of the EFL is one of a competition organiser and the management of clubs is a matter for their Directors, as long as their conduct is not in breach of any of our Regulations. There are any number of actions the EFL might wish to take, but it can only ever act in accordance with those Regulations.
“While Leyton Orient may have been relegated to the National League, the EFL will continue to do everything it can to ensure that the future of the Club is secured.”