LONDON — Gary Hoffman is to step down as
Premier League chairman at the end of January following a backlash from clubs over the
league's handling of Newcastle's takeover.
اضافة اعلان
Concerns about the decision to allow the purchase of
Newcastle by a Saudi-led consortium were reportedly raised at a meeting of
clubs in October.
The league said it was satisfied it had legally binding
assurances from the Saudi Public Investment Fund that the Saudi state would not
have control over the club, even though Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is the
chairman of the fund.
Eighteen clubs — excluding Newcastle and Manchester City —
backed a motion to place a temporary ban on owner-related sponsorship deals.
A working group featuring representatives from eight Premier
League clubs is drafting new rules around the issue and is expected to report
back at the end of the month.
The Premier League thanked Hoffman for his "committed
service".
Hoffman said: "It has been a privilege to lead the
Premier League through the last two seasons — when the spirit of
English football has been more important than ever.
"Now, I have decided the time is right for me to stand
aside to allow new leadership to steer the league through its next exciting
phase."
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