Ex-PL CEO: Leeds facing 'boardroom conflict' after 'really surprising' off-pitch deal agreed

Everton’s and Aston Villa’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted 49ers Enterprises and Red Bull are set for “conflict” at Leeds United.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and at Aston Villa from 2016-2018 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed there are now “too many voices” in the boardroom after the energy drink company’s investment.

Leeds confirmed last week (30 May) that Red Bull have taken a minority ownership stake in the club which will provide additional capital investment.

They will also become the front-of-shirt sponsor at Elland Road in a multi-year deal.

Red Bull are an experienced operator in football and own five clubs worldwide, including RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg.

49ers and Red Bull bound to come to blows at Leeds, says Wyness

Leeds have been forced to confirm that the club’s name and badge will remain unchanged.

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “This one really did surprise me.

“Financially, I don’t know how big it will be. Obviously, it won’t affect the debts which are already in place, but going forward they could assist with the PSR situation.

“But Leeds have brought in the 49ers, Will Ferrell has come in as a minority investor, they’ve got golfers as shareholders – and now Red Bull have come in.

“That smacks to me as creating a bit of a problem. You’re starting to have too many voices, too many cooks in the kitchen.

“In particular, I would say that Red Bull have got more experience than the 49ers.

“There could well be conflict when making key decisions going forward. When these things start off, it always seems harmonious – until there are decisions they differ on.

“Red Bull have got the experience and knowledge, and there may well be some conflict down the road at Leeds.

“They could be a hard bunch to handle, particularly when the pressure moments come in the race for promotion.”

In other news, Archie Gray update from Leeds United.

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