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Leyton Orient owner Francesco Becchetti wanted by Albanian authorities

Francesco Becchetti: Bought Leyton Orient last summer and wants to sell the club again
Image: Francesco Becchetti: Bought Leyton Orient last summer

Albanian authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the Leyton Orient owner Francesco Becchetti.

Becchetti, who bought the club last summer and recently put it back up for sale, is accused of fraud-related offences connected to a failed hydro-electric scheme.

The Albanian government claim the plan cost them tens of millions of euros and Becchetti faces up to 15 years in prison if the charges are proven.

Orient set Becchetti back £4.4m in July 2014 and he presided over their relegation from Sky Bet League One at the end of the season, before deciding he wants to leave.

Sky Sports News HQ understands the 48-year-old will only deal with serious buyers who are willing to take on the sizeable wage for the now League Two club.

Becchetti bought a 90% stake from previous owner Barry Hearn last summer with the option to buy the stadium, which he has not taken up.

And the club is expected to fetch far less than the £4m he paid for it following an unsuccessful push for promotion to the Championship last season.

Orient finished second bottom of League One after winning just 12 of their 46 games, nine points above bottom club Yeovil Town.

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