Accrington Stanley owner investigated for rewarding players with fast food hamburgers

Andy Holt, owner of the modest Accrington Stanley, leader of the League Two, the fourth division of English football, is being investigated for rewarding his players with hamburgers from a fast food chain after winning their matches, according to British media reports.

The investigation does not arise because this practice may go against the diet that a professional player is supposed to have, but rather responds to regulation 61.6 of the English football minor leagues (EFL), which establishes that all incentives and payments to players must be included in the contract.

Holt, who received a letter from the EFL explaining the situation, defended himself on the social media platform Twitter by claiming that, in the event of victory, he gives £200 (€228) to his players to eat, but if they lose, it is the players who pay for the food.

"That's the way we work. It's my money, not the club's money. I have also been known to offer free drinks for 10 minutes to the fans during a match," added the owner of Accrington.

Also on Twitter, Holt explained that he does not understand the reason for the investigation and that the ink spent on the process and the letter they sent him "will be more expensive than the benefit of all this".

"I reserve the right to buy a hamburger for whoever I want with my money," stated the director.

The EFL confirmed that it has contacted Accrington and that the matter will be resolved soon.

At the moment, Accrington is the leader of the fourth division of English football, with 80 points, three ahead of the second-placed Luton Town.

In total, the Accrington team has achieved 25 victories this season, which would mean a total of 25 visits to McDonald's and more than £5,000 (€5,700) spent by Holt if the tradition were to be repeated after every victory of the team from northern England.