Leeds United spy cameras: David Haigh makes drugs claim

David Haigh left Leeds United in April

The former managing director of Leeds United David Haigh has claimed that surveillance devices were installed at Elland Road due to suspicions Class A drugs were being used at the club.

Mr Haigh, who quit the club last month, made the claims after being interviewed by West Yorkshire Police.

The force is examining whether football club money was used fraudulently to pay for spy cameras that were found there.

Mr Haigh, 36, said in a statement the devices had been "properly paid for".

'Police drugs report'

The presence of the cameras in the boardroom and toilets of the Championship club was not enough to prompt a criminal probe, but allegations they were purchased as a result of a misappropriation of club funds were.

In the statement, a spokesman said My Haigh had given a "full statement" to West Yorkshire Police after complaints were made to the force by the new majority shareholders of the club following the discovery of surveillance devices in "various locations" at Elland Road.

"As the former managing director of the club, David was fully aware of the installation of these devices, which were quite properly paid for by the club," the statement said.

"They were put in place following reports which he received between the end of January and early March this year alleging the recent misuse of Class A drugs. One of these reports was made by police.

"It was, and remains, David's view that not to have taken action to seek to provide evidence against the alleged perpetrators would have been in breach of his duty as a fit and proper person to be handling the day-to-day running of a Football League club."

Mr Haigh left the club the day after Massimo Cellino completed his takeover, citing comments made by the Italian as a key reason.

Leeds United has yet to comment on Mr Haigh's claims.