Former Derby owner Mel Morris has challenged Middlesbrough and Wycombe to dispute their compensation claims against him in the High Court.
Breaking his long silence with an extraordinary 2,100-word statement, Morris revealed his plan for solving the current deadlock that has left the Rams in administration since September, and has left manager Wayne Rooney increasingly angry and frustrated.
Boro and Wycombe believe they are entitled to compensation for Derby’s alleged financial breaches relating to the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons, and until these claims can be settled, prospective buyers are unwilling to complete a formal takeover.
Morris said: ‘I invite Boro, and in due course Wycombe if they so wish, to take their claims to the High Court against me personally. Let DCFC move on for the benefit of the fans, the City of Derby, the sport and the EFL.
‘To the EFL this allows them to see that the rights of Boro's and Wycombe’s claims should they be proven in due course, preserved.
‘I sincerely hope the EFL, Boro and Wycombe will respond urgently and constructively to my proposal to unlock the impasse.
‘By preserving the rights of these parties to pursue their claims through the high court I can see no reason why the EFL cannot allow DCFC to exit administration without issue or concern that it would be contrary to their rules, articles and insolvency policy.
‘I have informed Quantuma, the DCFC Administrators, of my proposal so they may discuss it with the EFL, Boro, Wycombe and potential bidders.’
