Keith Wyness launched legal action against "troubled" League Championship side Aston Villa alleging "constructive dismissal" from his role as CEO, according to Steve Madeley of the LONDON TIMES. Wyness filed papers against Villa, which "could be faced with a further bill" of up to £6M ($8M), adding to the "mounting financial crisis" facing club Owner Tony Xia. Wyness "has now officially officially left the club" and gave up his directorship "to pursue his constructive dismissal claim." He is also "considering action against two individuals," CCO Luke Organ and exec assistant Rongtian He. His decision "adds to the growing list of issues that have plunged the club into turmoil" (LONDON TIMES, 6/11). In London, John Percy reported Wyness was recruited by Xia when he took over the club in June '16. Working closely with Manager Steve Bruce and Technical Dir Steve Round, Wyness "was seen as a key member of Villa's staff with Xia spending most of his time in China." But the pair "clashed last week over Villa's financial crisis" after Wyness "sought advice from insolvency experts over the prospect of administration following the club's failure to win promotion" (TELEGRAPH, 6/11).
