Andy Pilley, the owner of Waterford FC and Fleetwood Town, is facing legal consequences after being convicted on four counts of fraud in the United Kingdom. Pilley took charge of Waterford last August.
Following his conviction last week on two counts of fraudulent trading, fraud by false representation, and involvement in the acquisition, retention, use, or control of the proceeds of fraudulently mis-sold energy contracts, Andy Pilley was remanded in custody. A subsequent hearing took place at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday, where he was informed that his sentencing would occur on July 3.
National Trading Standards has disclosed further details regarding the offences committed. The fraud scheme revolved around a network of interconnected companies that deceived unsuspecting small businesses across the UK into entering long-term energy contracts between 2014 and 2016.
The League of Ireland First Division team, Waterford FC, issued a statement over the weekend to reassure their supporters that the club will continue to operate as usual and that there will be no risk to its future. Waterford’s statement read: “Waterford Football Club would like to reassure supporters the club will continue to operate as normal and there will be no risk to the future of the club.
Fleetwood Town owner Andy Pilley has been remanded in custody until sentencing on July 3. He’s been found guilty of four counts of fraud related to his Business Energy Solutions companies. Complex case, lots of victims, including charities, worth millions to Pilley & BES.
— Matt Slater (@mjshrimper) May 23, 2023
"The club’s senior management team and directors have been planning for a number of months for the event of a verdict of this nature.
"A meeting of the club’s management has taken place this morning [Saturday, May 20] and plans are already in operation to ensure it's business as usual. We’d like to reassure supporters that charges are solely brought against Andy Pilley and not Waterford Football Club, Fleetwood Town Football Club, or any of the businesses attached to the group.
"An announcement regarding the next step will be made in due course.”
Pilley, 52, is also the owner of Fleetwood Town in the English Football League. The club released their own statement last week around the matter. It read: “Fleetwood Town would like to reassure supporters the club will continue to operate as normal and there will be no risk to the future of the club.
"Charges are solely brought against Andy Pilley and not Fleetwood Town Football Club or any of the businesses attached to the group. Talks have already taken place with the EFL and an announcement regarding the next step will be made in due course.
