Richard Scudamore: Premier League chief to stand down by end of 2018

BBC sports editor Dan Roan

Given the astonishing riches, global popularity, and cultural influence achieved by the Premier League under his leadership, Richard Scudamore steps down having become arguably the most important and powerful figure in British sport.

Thanks in part to his ruthlessness, intellect, and diplomacy when dealing with club owners, TV executives or politicians, the league remained united, and generated unprecedented fortunes, principally for the players and their agents. He also shared in the success of course, becoming one of the highest paid administrators in British sport.

The bounty also benefited the grassroots of the game, Football League clubs, and good causes, although not to the extent that many would have liked during a period when the divide between the top of the game – and the rest, including the fans and those who struggle to play on facilities up and down the country – seemed to grow starker than ever.

Scudamore’s tenure was not without controversy.

He had to admit defeat over the ill-fated idea of a ’39th game’, and apologised in 2014 over sexist comments in emails. Many critics believed increasing numbers of foreign owners and overseas playing talent also contributed to England’s woeful record at major tournaments, and feared the league’s power under Scudamore stripped too much authority from the Football Association.

His job, however, was to act in the best interests of the clubs he represented. And to that extent, his longevity is testament to a hugely successful and significant reign.

With the media landscape shifting, and the richest clubs jostling for more money, whoever replaces Scudamore may find the task of emulating him a challenging one.