DAMNING WATMORE REPORT FINDINGS

Here are the key findings from the whistleblowing investigation report carried out by law firm Gateley in February last year . . .

8.1 Every witness we spoke to regarding this issue expressed, at the very least, surprise that Ian Watmore had solicited and attended the meeting with Mel Morris, and sent him the ‘straw man’ document, without the knowledge and approval of the board.

8.3

Ian Watmore’s ‘straw man’ set out a number of scenarios, many of which had been discussed at board meetings and identified areas in which the EFL was seeking legal advice. 8.4 To the extent that he disclosed confidential information to Mel Morris in his note and/or meeting, Ian Watmore would have been in breach of clause 7.1 of his Letter of Appointment, which required him not to do so ‘without prior clearance from the senior independent director’. 8.5 His straw man failed to set out clearly what he said his primary position was in relation to the existing offer from Sky (namely that it should be accepted) and instead set out a five-point alternative approach, which might reasonably be interpreted by some as his preferred outcome, contrary to the position taken by the board. 8.7 The views he shared were capable of indicating that the “Board was not as one” on these issues.

8.10 If this was a disciplinary investigation I would have concluded there was a case for Ian Watmore to answer at a disciplinary hearing in respect of this allegation. However, as Ian Watmore has resigned that is neither appropriate nor necessary.