MUMBAI: Manu Sawhney, former International Cricket Council chief executive and serving board member of Premier League giants Manchester United, has been accused of being a ‘narcissistic bully’ in revelations that have come out in a UK daily in the aftermath of his being sacked by the ICC.
Sawhney, who has been a part of the United board for the past decade, was axed from his position as CEO of the ICC this summer.
According to a damning article in UK’s The Telegraph, a “cultural review” mentioned him bullying colleagues and exhibiting acts of physical aggression.
Said review goes on to mention: “They accused him of having left staff in tears and needing therapy amid on-going mental health problems triggered by his behaviour, with one branding him ‘a complete narcissistic bully’.
“They also said he was unfit to be in a senior role anywhere, including on the board of United, who they said had a duty to their staff and shareholders to get to the bottom of the accusations against him.”
The Telegraph’s position was “endorsed” by Julian Knight MP, chairman of UK’s Digital, Culture, Media & Sport select committee, who compared United’s “attitude” to that which saw them join the doomed European Super League earlier this year.
“This opaque and dismissive attitude from Manchester United is yet another indication of a club which has quite serious issues and understandably has concerned its fanbase for a long time,” he said.
“And because of its premier position in English football, this actually interests everyone involved in the game.
“If a leading national newspaper has an investigation concerning a board member and comes to you with questions, I’d expect that you would fess up and engage.”
Man Utd refused to comment on the above situation when questioned by The Telegraph.
“These allegations are not a true reflection of me or my time at the ICC,” Sawhney said.
“I am saddened that a small number within the organisation continues to make these false claims following my departure.
“Neither these nor any other concerns regarding my conduct were raised with me during my time at the ICC and once I was made aware of them.
“I immediately called for an independent investigation into the allegations.
“The ICC denied this request which I believe reflected their unwillingness to verify the allegations and their agenda to remove me from my role.”
