Leeds United shun former owner by withdrawing his invitation for Premier League clash with West Ham on Friday

Leeds United have sensationally withdrawn their invitation to former owner Andrea Radrizzani for the game against West Ham on Friday.

Radrizzani, 51, was initially invited by 49ers Enterprises, who took full ownership of the club in 2023 after purchasing Radrizzani’s 56 per cent stake for £170million.

It was set to be the Italian’s first visit back to Elland Road since selling the club after they were relegated back to the Championship.

But Daily Mail Sport understands that the Leeds hierarchy were not pleased with Radrizzani’s decision to reveal details of his return in an exclusive interview with this outlet earlier this month.

The invitation for Radrizzani to be in the Director’s Box was made by Paraag Marathe, the Leeds chairman.

But it was officially withdrawn shortly after the interview went public – with Radrizzani informed that it was unnecessary for him to disclose details of his return and that it would be better for him to turn up at another time.

‘I will come soon to watch a game. I miss it,’ Radrizzani said at the time. ‘I didn’t want to come in the Championship because it would hurt me – but now it’s time to come back. I am in touch with Paraag (Marathe, Leeds’ chairman). It will be soon.’

During Radrizzani’s ownership of Leeds from 2016 to 2023, the club returned to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa and finished ninth in 2020-21 but after narrowly surviving relegation in 2021-22, they went back down to the Championship in 2022-23.

Daniel Farke’s side take on Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham on Friday evening.

Leeds United were approached for comment.