Former Sheffield United owner and co-owner demands club apologise and retract statement

A spokesperson acting on McCabe’s behalf last night told The Star their client was “devastated” to read the contents of the communique, released to the media on Wednesday evening, which prompted some supporters to fear he wants to build flats on Bramall Lane; United’s historic home stadium.

“Kevin McCabe was devastated to read the statement issued by Sheffield United Football Club yesterday evening and the understandable outrage of the club’s fans at the highly misleading impression it gave,” McCabe’s representative said. “There are a number of things that Blades fans should know. These are outlined in detail below with documentary proof, but in essence: it was Abdullah who reneged not Kevin.

“The Prince wanted Kevin to transfer the stadium to an unidentified third party last month and Kevin felt this was not appropriate and could jeopardise the future of the stadium as United’s home ground.

“Mr McCabe has been a lifelong supporter of the Blades and has routinely provided additional cash from his own pocket whenever the club needed it. He has guaranteed obligations of the club without hesitation.”

McCabe, thought to be the longest serving board member in United’s history, lost a long-running power struggle with his former business partner HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud towards the end of last year. The High Court judge who ruled in the Saudi Arabian’s favour insisted he must purchase sites including United’s training complex and home ground, from a company controlled by McCabe before July 1.

Although an agreement was reached in principle two months ago, an independent arbitrator will now decide how much they are worth, given Prince Abdullah’s decision to withdraw his offer following what the 55-year-old’s associates claimed was an attempt by McCabe to seek further “concessions”. This is denied by the Scarborough-based businessman.

“It is Prince Abdullah who is refusing to finance the club adequately,” McCabe’s spokesperson continued. “Blades fans should know that the football club refused without any justification to pay an agreed debt of around £100,000 to the McCabes’ company.

“This left the McCabes with no choice but to make a formal demand for the money; which then resulted in payment. This would not have been necessary had Prince Abdullah ensured that the club was adequately funded.

“The McCabes have taken legal advice and will be sending formal letters to the club insisting that the statement is taken down and an apology made.”