Leeds deny conflict of interest in auditing of accounts

Leeds United have denied there could have been a possible conflict of interest in the auditing of their latest accounts for the year 2013-14.

The figures were audited by a firm with family links to club chairman Andrew Umbers but Leeds have denied any suggestion there could have been any wrongdoing as a result.

Richard Umbers, brother of Andrew, is a partner with Gibson Booth which approved and signed off on the figures.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales will look into any potential conflict, but the organisation’s media specialist Allan Williams stressed there was no formal investigation into Gibson Booth’s link with Leeds United. 

Andrew Umbers joined United’s board as a director in December and became Leeds chairman following the disqualification of owner Massimo Cellino in January.

United’s accounts for the 12 months leading up to June 30, 2014 showed losses of £22.8m.

Gibson Booth became Leeds’ auditor after the resignation of Baker Tilly on August 15, 2014.

A club spokesman said: “Alistair Russell, senior auditor and partner of Gibson Booth, checked with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales before Andrew Umbers was appointed as a director, and gave approval to Gibson Booth that there was no conflict in them remaining auditors of Leeds United with Andrew Umbers as director.”