Premier League executive chairman to receive £5m golden handshake despite widespread criticism
The Premier League will give its outgoing executive chairman a £5m leaving bonus after top-flight clubs were asked to contribute to the sum.
Richard Scudamore will receive the money over the next three years as part of a non-compete agreement and in light of his ongoing advisory role, the Premier League said today.
The company also said the payments are “in recognition of the outstanding work Richard has carried out over the last 19 years.”
“The Premier League would like to put on record our thanks to Richard for his exceptional contribution to the success of the league,” it said in a statement.
Scudamore, who joined the league in 1999, will stand down by the end of the year. On Tuesday the Premier League announced his successor as veteran broadcasting executive Susanna Dinnage, who will be the first woman to hold the position.
But the bonus payment comes in spite of widespread criticism of the English football league’s plan after it emerged Premier League clubs were asked to pay £250,000 towards the bonus.
The Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) criticised the payment, describing it as “hugely unpopular with supporters”.
"Premier League clubs have always told fan groups that budgets are planned in advance and there's not a surplus of cash lying around from their extremely lucrative TV deal,” said the FSF in a statement.
"In the meantime loyal football supporters continue to be inconvenienced by fixture changes to fit TV schedules, often losing out on travel costs or struggling to get to and from games in the first place.”
It added: “Now it appears clubs can stick their hands down the back of the sofa and find £250,000 at a moment's notice.”
The Premier League said the decision had been supported by the clubs.
Scudamore’s role will be split, with Dinnage taking over as chief executive. The Premier League is now looking to hire a non-executive chair.