Valencia sack club president Anil Murthy after leaked audio recording of him threatening to “kill” a player

 

 La Liga club, Valencia have sacked their club president, Anil Murthy, after leaked audio was published in which he threatened to “kill” a player.

 

Two weeks ago, Spanish newspaper Superdeporte published an audio recording of Murthy from a private dinner in April.  In it, Murthy is he 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. 

 

Murthy also allegedly described Liverpool and Newcastle as 's***' cities in the leaked audio.

 

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, May 30,  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.