Outgoing Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore will receive a “golden handshake” worth £5 million despite strong opposition from the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF), the league has confirmed.
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck suggested top division clubs should contribute £250,000 each to the farewell bonus.
Buck chairs the league’s audit and remuneration committee and was part of the search for Scudamore’s successor, Susanna Dinnage. His idea was opposed by the FSF and reportedly by some clubs.
A Premier League statement, which said Scudamore would be retained in an advisory role, read: “The decision was made by the audit and remuneration committee and the non-executive directors, supported and endorsed by the clubs.
“The payments, which will eventually total £5 million, will be spread over the next three years.
“It was agreed that it is crucial for the League’s ongoing success that Richard’s unique knowledge and experience remain available in an advisory capacity. The payments are in recognition of the outstanding work Richard has carried out.”
The move has been condemned by several fan groups, with Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly describing it as “laughable,” while sources told ESPN FC a number of clubs were initially against the idea.
In a statement released before the bonus was confirmed, umbrella group the FSF urged clubs not to contribute to a payment to Scudamore, who is leaving the Premier League after 19 years.
FSF statement on Premier League clubs’ hugely unpopular idea to gift the PL’s outgoing CEO £5m. Just don’t do it – https://t.co/MbvmAVRXHt
— The FSF (@The_FSF) November 15, 2018
“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,” the organisation said 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.
“Now it appears clubs can stick their hands down the back of the sofa and find £250,000 at a moment’s notice.
“Fans strongly oppose the ‘golden handshake,’ and we urge clubs not to make a decision which is hugely unpopular with supporters.”
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