Sports Direct has been forced on to the defensive after it was revealed that its founder’s future son-in-law, a former nightclub promoter, could make millions for “creating value” in the retailer’s property estate.
The listed sportswear group had to issue a “clarifying statement” yesterday about the role of Michael Murray, the 26-year-old boyfriend of Anna Ashley, as it emerged that he has never held a formal property role and until recently promoted student events at the University of Reading.
Sports Direct, which has been dogged by negative news since early last month, said that Mr Murray had a “consultancy arrangement” with the group.
It said that he was not paid a salary and had not been appointed a director of any company within Sports Direct.