Retiring executive chairman of the Premier League Richard Scudamore is riding into the sunset with a £5 million 'gift' from Premier League clubs, a decision which has football fans fuming.
Scudamore will receive the payment over the next three years, with the 59-year-old taking on an advisory role with the organisation in his retirement.
This consultancy role seems to be the reason behind the generous gift, with a statement from the Premier League arguing that it was 'crucial' to keep Scudamore on in an advisory role:
It was vital that a comprehensive set of non-compete clauses were extended, to ensure the best possible protection for the future of the Premier League.
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 over the last 19 years.
PL bosses such as West Ham co-owner David Gold and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy have come out in defence of the payoff, with Gold calling the gift 'absolutely appropriate' and Levy stating that the decision to reward Scudamore is 'absolutely fair'.
Despite the reasons given by the Premier League the gesture has not gone down well with the majority of football fans, with many arguing that the payoff is just another indication of the greed endemic in modern football
Just think what a gift of £100,000 to 50 non league clubs could achieve, or even £50000 to 100 clubs! Why does he need 5 million? He goes from being rich to....being that bit richer? Will it change his life in anyway?
— PolitcalGaming (@OliverMacFarlan) November 15, 2018
This is meant to be a departure bonus yet he remains employed on a consultancy basis. This is embarrassing.
— James (@jimmersilvo) November 15, 2018
Let me get this right in my head. He’s having a 5 million pound bonus over 3 years plus he’ll be paid a very good wage for being a consultant. Football has lost touch with reality.
— Chris Davies (@Rubbish_No3) November 15, 2018
So depressing it’s unreal. For anyone outside of the premier and us involved in grassroots football it’s just unbelievable.
— Simon L (@sizmirren) November 15, 2018
My club West Ham United, have never ever subsidised away travel, reason being they cannot afford it (apparently), and yet they can pop up with £250 k when it suits them.
— columbus christopher (@Christophercol) November 15, 2018
This is perfectly logical if you consider football to be a business, as most of our PL club owners do. Those of us who would fight to protect football as a culture can froth as much as we like… they ain't listening
— Adrian Tempany (@AdrianTempany) November 15, 2018
Five Premier League clubs have reportedly rejected the idea of a £5 million gift, but the parting bonus seems to be going ahead despite the widespread negative press surrounding it.
