Italian releases statement expressing his delight at the decision by District judge Nina Tempia

Leyton Orient president Francesco Becchetti will not be extradited to Albania on fraud, forgery and money laundering charges, a court has ruled.

District judge Nina Tempia, sitting at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court, revealed last week she was staying the case against the Italian and his business associate Mauro De Renzis, who was charged with the same offences.

Lawyers for the Albanian government immediately responded by saying they intend to appeal. They now have 14 days to do this.

Becchetti released a statement through the Leyton Orient website to express his emotions, he said: “I am delighted with the decision and am grateful to the English judge for her careful consideration of the case.

“She has found that Albania misled the English Court and abused the extradition process. The Judge’s decision shows, as I have always said, that the criminal proceedings against me in Albania are politically motivated.

“I will continue to pursue the Albanian Government for the huge damage it has caused to my business and the hundreds of people who work for me and their families.”