The English Football League is "reappraising its owners' and directors' test after a season of dysfunction across the divisions," according to Paul MacInnes of the London GUARDIAN. Outrage "followed the news this year that Leyton Orient’s staff had gone unpaid" under then-Owner Francesco Becchetti as the club "slipped out" of the EFL for the first time in 112 years. There were also fan protests against the owners of Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Charlton Athletic, Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers. EFL CEO Shaun Harvey said that the league "has responded and the terms upon which individuals are considered fit and proper to take ownership of a club are being reviewed," with a report set to be handed to clubs in September. The EFL's test for ownership "does not consider what happens to a club after it has been purchased," including such factors as whether staff are paid or players' bonuses met. Harvey suggested that this was now "open for reconsideration." He said, "[What was considered] important is what power the League have, if indeed any, to step in and try and resolve issues over and above those that we already do" (GUARDIAN, 7/12).
