MAGDA Louis today called for the head of the man running British speedway.The livewire Ipswich Evening Star Witches director is furious that the club has been refused permission to sign Swede Freddie Eriksson in time for tomorrow's Elite League meeting with Wolverhampton at Foxhall Stadium.

By Elvin King

MAGDA Louis today called for the head of the man running British speedway.

The livewire Ipswich Evening Star Witches director is furious that the club has been refused permission to sign Swede Freddie Eriksson in time for tomorrow's Elite League meeting with Wolverhampton at Foxhall Stadium.

"I shall be calling for an inquiry," she blasted after the management committee of the British Speedway Promoters' Association ruled in favour of Oxford promoter Nigel Wagstaff, who owns Eriksson's British contract.

Chris van Straaten is chairman of the BSPA – and promoter of Wolves.

"I am not accusing Chris of having any bias, but it is not right that officials of three rival clubs – Wolves, Coventry and Eastbourne – should make a decision that seriously affects my club," added Mrs Louis.

"Speedway must be relaunched and be given a new constitution. Chris van Straaten should stand down.

"This body blow gives us an extra incentive to whip Wolves at Foxhall tomorrow. It would be very sweet."

When Ipswich and Wagstaff could not agree on a deal with Eriksson, the matter was heard by the management committee of the BSPA – van Straaten, Colin Pratt of Coventry and Jon Cook from Eastbourne.

They ruled that they were not in a position to force Oxford to release Eriksson on loan to Ipswich.

Wagstaff, currently on holiday in Spain, has personal issues with Eriksson who rode for him at King's Lynn before the promoter moved to Oxford last winter.

"I want every Witches fan to know who the culprits are in this," continued Mrs Louis.

"Freddie has his bikes ready to bring over from Sweden and we need him to improve our side.

"I spoke to Nigel Wagstaff again last night and he is going to think over it all again. So Freddie might still come to us next week.

"But in the meantime we ride against Chris van Straaten's side without the boost of having Freddie."

Eriksson said: "I am very disappointed. I am speaking to fellow Swede, and former rider, Jimmy Nilsen to obtain the best legal advice.

"My plan is to take my case to the European court."

Ipswich have won just three times in 13 league matches.

Attempts last month to sign star riders Greg Hancock and Tomasz Gollob failed so Mrs Louis and her promoter husband John turned to lower rider Eriksson to improve their side.

This looks to have also turned out to be unsuccessful.