FORMER MANAGING DIRECTOR director David Haigh today claimed he installed surveillance equipment at Elland Road in response to reports of Class A drug use in the boardroom.
Haigh left Leeds on 11 April after the Championship club was taken over by Italian Massimo Cellino.
Earlier the same day it was confirmed by police that they were investigating the surveillance equipment which was discovered by Cellino.
The presence of the cameras themselves in the boardroom and toilets was not enough to prompt a criminal probe, but allegations they were purchased as a result of a misappropriation of club funds were.
Haigh was interviewed by West Yorkshire police on Thursday and a spokesman for the 36-year-old later released a statement explaining his position, claiming the cameras were as a result of illegal activity.
It read: “David has today given a full statement to police officers investigating complaints made to West Yorkshire Police by the new majority shareholders of Leeds United FC that surveillance devices were found at various locations, including the boardroom, at Elland Road.
“As the former Managing Director of the club, David was fully aware of the installation of these devices which were quite properly paid for by the club. They were put in place following reports which he received between the end of January and early March this year alleging the recent misuse of Class A drugs in and around the boardroom. One of these reports was made by police.
“It was, and remains, David’s view that not to have taken action to seek to provide evidence against the alleged perpetrators would have been in breach of his duty as a fit and proper person to be handling the day to day running of a Football League club.
“David is of the firm belief that illegal drugs have no place in football, whether it be on the pitch or in the boardroom. He will continue to co-operate fully with any police or other enquiries.”
Haigh resigned from his position citing comments made by Cellino as a key reason.
Cellino was heavily critical of Haigh in a conversation with a supporter which he did not know was being recorded, while also telling The Sun newspaper that he intended to sack him. Haigh had been set to become Leeds’ chief executive under Cellino.
Cellino completed a 75 percent buy-out of Leeds from Gulf Finance House Capital in April after a long period of turbulence.
Haigh, who previously worked for GFHC, saw his own takeover bid for the club collapse in January and then ushered in the bid of Cellino.
