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Leyton Orient president Francesco Becchetti was told today he will not be extradited to the Eastern European nation.

Becchetti said the Albanian government’s action against him is “politically motivated” and was calling for the case to be thrown out.

But authorities in the ex-communist state say there is no “sinister motive” behind the extradition and it’s for the purpose of prosecution only.

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The 49-year-old club owner has had significant business interests in Albania, in sectors ranging from media and construction to hydroelectric power.

During a two-day abuse of process hearing earlier this year, the Italian businessman’s lawyer Julian Knowles QC said Becchetti had made an enemy of Albanian leaders.

Socialist prime minister Edi Rama particularly disliked him said Mr Knowles and, in June 2015, Becchetti’s assets in Albania were seized by the government.

His bank accounts were also frozen and his TV station Agon, which was critical of the socialist government, was closed down by authorities.

Becchetti’s business associate Mauro De Renzis, who faces the same charges in Albania, held a senior position at the TV channel.

Mr Knowles told the hearing the Albanian government had lied in an attempt to manipulate the extradition process.

He said Mr Rama had "taken a dislike" and was trying to punish Mr Becchetti in a politically motivated attack.

District judge Nina Tempia delivered her ruling at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court.

She told Becchetti and De Renzis: "The abuse of process has succeeded. These proceedings are stayed."

Becchetti bought Leyton Orient in June 2014, shortly before it was relegated to League Two.