The man in question has apologised for blackmailing Morgan and demanding £35,000 from the ECB
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With so much on his plate already in regards to the ongoing ODI tri-series and World Cup, England captain Eoin Morgan has now become the centre of attention in a blackmail plot.
According to reports, a man threatened to release “embarrassing” information about a relationship Morgan had with an Australian woman five years ago if he is does not receive £35,000 from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
However, it was later revealed that the man, who was identified as the current partner of the lady Morgan dated five years ago, had apologised for his actions. As a result of this, the ECB “will not be seeking further action against the individual at this stage”.
The man has been identified as the current partner of the lady Morgan dated five years ago.
“In the last few days, the ECB received an email from an Australian man demanding a five figure sum to prevent a story about our one-day captain Eoin Morgan appearing in the national newspapers in the UK and Australia,” an ECB statement said. “The allegations related to a brief relationship Eoin had with a woman from Australia five years ago. Following liaison with the Metropolitan Police, our support team on the ground in Australia investigated the blackmail.
“This involved approaching the man in question who, when confronted, admitted and apologised for his actions, blaming jealousy (he is presently in a relationship with the woman concerned).
“The ECB will not allow anyone to disrupt our team’s performance on the field of play. We are wholly focussed on winning cricket matches. This matter has now been brought to a conclusion and we will not be seeking further action against the individual at this stage.”
ECB managing director Paul Downton added: “We will not allow anyone to disrupt our team’s preparation or performance in the tri-series and as we build up to the World Cup. I am pleased that this issue has now been brought to a swift conclusion.
“At this point we’d like to thank the Metropolitan Police for their advice, which assisted us in dealing with this in the swiftest possible manner.”