The group at the centre of mooted recent investment in Raith Rovers claim they have been “forced to take legal action” after discussions broke down
Talks between the cohort, fronted by Swiss businessman Mike Dellios, and the club ground to a halt last week, sparking a war of words between Dellios and Raith chairman Steven MacDonald.
MacDonald branded Dellios’ conduct “unprofessional”, while the Swiss national, who acts as advisor to Hong Kong-based investment firm Silverbear Capital, hit back by accusing the Rovers chief of “distortion of facts”.
Dellios’ group also contains former Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith and scout James Carlin.
Now, a statement sent to Courier Sport by the consortium’s Zurich-based legal consultant, Bruno Slongo, has laid bare their frustrations.
It said: “As the statements of Raith Rovers and Steven MacDonald do not correspond with the truth and their failure to comply with the reasonable request to rectify such comments, the group is forced to take legal action.
“Based on the fact that Steven MacDonald refused to sign a NDA (non-disclosure agreement), it is well in the legal boundaries to disclose some important facts.
“The 59 days difference between the start of the players trial [provided to the club by Dellios’ EVRO Football Pro academy] and the first introduction to Silverbear Capital, proves that Silverbear had absolutely nothing to do with the players.
“The impeccable impression of [former Rovers] CEO Karen McCartney, and the modern approach to football from the coaching staff were the reasons help was rendered to find potential Investors.
“In the time period of eight months, it is the second time Raith Rovers failed to secure investments in seven digits.
“Unbelievable is the fact that they refused a – then unconditional – cash flow injection, to provide the much-needed financial stability.”
The statement was signed: “On behalf of the group (involved in talks with Raith Rovers).”
Gordon Smith
Meanwhile, Gordon Smith moved to clarify his position with respect to the fall-out, saying: “Although I was not involved in the Raith Rovers purchase negotiations, I did attend meetings with both the owner and the chairman of the club.
“During these meetings, the discussions were intense and appeared to be moving positively.
“Mike Dellios acted in a very professional manner and was always amiable and respectful.”
James Carlin
James Carlin, Dellios’ EVRO academy colleague, explained that discussions on investment got underway after a number of players had been provided to Rovers on trial.
He said: “Mr Dellios met chairman Steven MacDonald to request a Zoom meeting with [Raith owner] Mr Sim, who was in Thailand. This never materialised.
“Unfortunately, during the whole process we found the chairman to be obstructive which, ultimately we believe, led to the breakdown of talks.”
Raith Rovers chairman Steven MacDonald refused to comment on the group’s statements.
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