THE IMPARTIALITY of Worcester Warriors' sale process has been called into question after the administrators were accused of pressuring a witness ahead of a parliamentary select committee.
A partner at DCMS-appointed administrators
The witness told friends they felt intimidated and offended by the warning from regional managing partner
The administrators last week exchanged contracts with Atlas despite the
A complaint relating to the matter was made to
"In mid-December the RFU was made aware of the concerns of an individual regarding the conduct of
"We have remained in contact with the individual to offer our ongoing support. The RFU has consistently raised the need for this to be a transparent and impartial process."
Witnesses at select committees are not at risk of being sued for defamation because, like parliament and court hearings, participants are protected by absolute privilege.
Lawyers for the administrators told City A.M. they "categorically denied" seeking to "pressure a witness at the select committee hearing from testifying in any way" and unfairly favouring the Atlas bid over others.
"Ultimately, the Atlas consortium was the highest offer that was capable of implementation in the relevant timescales in accordance with the statutory duties of the administrators," they added.
O'Toole's bid - in conjunction with a consortium made up of ex-player
The winning consortium has not yet met the criteria set by the RFU to operate as an elite club, meaning they could remain frozen out of the professional game, and have been given until 14 February to comply.
(c) 2023 City A.M., source