On 26 February 2020, notices were issued, which provided that RAFC’s AGM and an EGM would take place on 23 March 2020 commencing at 7:30pm.
Following latest guidance on the Coronavirus pandemic from both the UK government and bodies such as the World Health Organisation, it has been decided by the Board that the AGM and EGM should be postponed. This decision has been taken with the interests of the health and safety of the club’s members and the general public in mind.
As RAFC’s Articles of Association do not contain an express power to postpone a General Meeting, legally it means that the meetings will still need to take place in order for them to be adjourned indefinitely. Therefore, on 23 March 2020, ordinary resolutions to adjourn the meetings will be proposed by those in attendance. It is anticipated that this will be the only business of the meetings.
Consequently, there is no expectation of wider shareholder attendance at the meetings beyond that of the Board of directors. While shareholders or a proxy are still entitled to attend and vote, they are strongly advised not to.
As a date for the adjourned meetings has not yet been fixed, it means that fresh notices will be sent out prior to any adjourned meetings taking place. RAFC will provide 21 days’ notice prior to any adjourned meetings taking place. We will continue to follow all relevant guidance in considering when to reschedule the meetings.
The Board wishes to emphasise that whilst procedurally the meetings will take place, the only business of the directors present will be to pass an ordinary resolution to adjourn. No consideration of the resolutions proposed in the notices of 26th February 2020 will take place unless of course members vote against the adjournments. The Board wishes to reiterate, however, that the adjournments are in the best interests of all concerned.
In the meantime, the Board has asked me to express its hopes and wishes that all shareholders, fans, staff, players and stakeholders linked with our Club take all precautions available and remain as safe and healthy as possible in light of the Coronavirus outbreak and the attendant health risks.
John Smallwood
Company Secretary
Rochdale AFC