Parramatta District Rugby Leagues Club (PDRL) chairman Roy Spagnolo has been asked to stand down following allegations of bullying, harassment and membership/election tampering in his time at the Eels.
The leagues club issued a statement on Monday after a series of allegations had been raised by Fairfax Media.
Spagnolo is the current PDRL chairman and had been chair of the Parramatta Leagues Club (PLC).
At a meeting on Friday the board resolved to: “address serious allegations of membership and election tampering of both the 2013 PLC election and the Parramatta District Rugby League (PDRL) election in 2012”.
The statement said a disciplinary committee would investigate allegations made on Friday regarding membership tampering.
Members involved would have to front the board to explain their actions.
“In addition, the disciplinary committee will be asked to investigate new evidence tabled at the PLC Board meeting regarding the intimidation, bullying and harassment of former directors, PLC staff and PLC Members,” the statement continued.
“The investigation has found evidence that indicates this behaviour was carried out with the knowledge of the previous PLC Board of Directors and the previous PLC CEO.
The board requested Spagnolo stand down “effective immediately, pending the outcome of the multiple investigations”.
“It’s very unfortunate that this has to happen after such a great season on and off the field in 2014,” Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club chairman Steve Sharp said of the Eels, who just missed the NRL finals.
“Our board will do everything it can to ensure that our club will be managed with a commitment to openness and integrity; and for the benefit of members, not individuals.”
NSW Police have been conducting a wider investigation into the club over the last two months with the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing probing the former administration at the western Sydney NRL club.
81paling
Roar Rookie
It is going to take a massive effort worthy of a Grand Final Premiership to get rid of Spagnolo and then it will take an even greater effort to keep him out. I can see him trying to mobolise fans from other codes to get himself back in, he has already used fans from other clubs.
Tricky Ricky
Guest
Maybe Peter Doust can move over to the Eels?
tigerdave
Guest
about time. Step in David Smith and take control. The sooner the better.
Parrafan
Guest
Shows the integrity of the man. Even politicians stand aside whilst under investigation for fraud. Spagnolo has shown he is interested in only one person, that being himself. He has bought himself a nice little reporter in Prozenko at the Herald, and a stand over man in Leabeater. The sooner these three are turfed the better Parramatta and League in general will be.
Steve b
Guest
Its about ffn time ,dont just stand him down get rid of him .Little upstart .