Reading have 'full intention' of avoiding suspension

Reading say that owner Dai Yongge is "committed" to divesting his interests in the club as set out by the EFL

Reading FC have said they remain in close dialogue with the EFL and have the "full intention" of avoiding any potential suspension.

The club have been given a deadline of 5 April for owner Dai Yongge to sell his interests in Reading, something they say he is "committed to doing".

Last week the EFL announced that Yongge had been officially disqualified under the EFL's Owners' and Directors' Test.

"The club would like to clarify the current position with the EFL, and Mr Dai's disqualification as a director," Reading said in a statement.

"Under the terms of the disqualification, Mr Dai must now divest his interests in Reading Football Club and is committed to doing so to meet this requirement.

"Following earlier discussion with the EFL, the time allowed for the divestment to take place was extended until Saturday, 5 April.

"Whilst the EFL board ultimately has the power within its regulations to suspend the club amongst its options if Mr Dai's interests are not divested by this date, we remain in close dialogue with the league with the full intention of avoiding this eventuality."

The statement published by the club also detailed the fact that they remain in a period of exclusivity with a "proposed purchaser".

They reiterated that there is a "strong hope" a resolution can be found "imminently" to their ownership worries.

The club also provided an update on the ongoing litigation case with former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig, who tried to buy the club last summer.

On Friday, Yongge and Couhig went to the Commercial Court in London where the current Royals owner was trying to get an injunction against Couhig - who he claimed was blocking his attempt to sell.

"The club can confirm that a formal proposal for alternative security has been made to Mr Couhig via his legal representatives," Reading added in their statement.

"It is hoped that the proposal will be agreed quickly in resolution of the current security impasse, to facilitate the sales process."