In what looks like a knockout blow to Leigh Matthews’ rival ticket, Brisbane’s lawyers have claimed the AFL legend is not eligible to be elected as a Lions director.
At a Lions board meeting on Tuesday, Queensland-based businessman Bob Sharpless was appointed as a director amid the stoush between Matthews’ rival ticket and chairman Angus Johnson.
But Matthews’ bid to challenge Johnson at a members vote appears to be dead in the water on the strength of the Lions’ legal advice.
Lions lawyers claimed on Tuesday under the club’s constitution only full members with two years’ continuous membership were eligible for appointment as directors at a Lions general meeting.
Matthews is a life member.
“Life members are not full members under the club’s constitution,” a Lions statement said.
“Sharpless’ appointment as a specialist director was approved by the board during a meeting of all directors in Brisbane this afternoon.
“The board will meet again to resolve matters relating to the EGM (emergency general meeting).”
A date for an EGM had been expected to be thrashed out on Tuesday.
The Matthews ticket also featuring directors Paul Williams and Mick Power had hoped to force a board spill with a members’ vote after the AFL appeared to soften its stance on an EGM.
The AFL had appeared to back away from an initial threat to withhold $1.8 million funding if the cash-strapped Lions opted for an EGM.
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