Crawley Town have confirmed that the club’s anonymous benefactor has passed the Football League’s ‘fit and proper persons test’ in an attempt to appease concerned supporters.

Crawley’s official supporters club – the Crawley Town Supporters Alliance – had confronted the club in July seeking assurances about the mysterious Far East backer who had bankrolled Reds’ rise from non-league football since 2010.

The League Two outfit have since banned three fans from attending home games for discussing the identity and business dealings of the man who has never been listed on the club’s ownership statement and has deliberately remained in the shadows.

In a bid to avoid further unrest the club’s benefactor has now voluntarily taken the Football League’s test which bars unsuitable characters from having a controlling interest in football clubs.

Chairman Dave Pottinger said: “The club have always tried to be transparent with our supporters regarding the income we receive from its benefactors but we also have certain obligations to them.

“Our benefactors have never sought glory or credit. They have only asked that supporters respect their right to privacy so they can continue to enjoy watching their team.

“We consulted the Football League who confirmed that the club was within its rights to keep information about our benefactors confidential but as a gesture of goodwill the benefactors voluntarily agreed to take the ‘fit and proper persons test’.”

Crawley lost 2-1 to Fulham in a behind closed doors friendly yesterday with Simon Walton scoring their goal.