Premier League chairman Gary Hoffman RESIGNS after just 18 months in the role following fierce backlash from top-flight clubs over Newcastle's £305m Saudi-led takeover

  • The takeover of Newcastle United by a Saudi consortium was widely criticised 
  • According to reports, Premier League clubs believed Gary Hoffman should quit 
  • Hoffman is now said to be on the brink of leaving his role after just 18 months 
  • The announcement may even be made in the coming days, an executive claims
  • It was reported by The Athletic that anger at Hoffman reached a tipping point 

Premier League chairman Gary Hoffman has resigned after less than 18 months in the job following a backlash from clubs over the Newcastle United takeover.

Sportsmail revealed last month that Burnley owner Alan Pace expressed no confidence in Hoffman's leadership at an emergency shareholders' meeting held on 19 October, with other clubs also unhappy at the Premier League's handling of the matter. 

While another Premier League meeting took place earlier this month without clubs demanding a vote of no confidence in Hoffman, he felt he lacked the support of the majority of the clubs. 

Premier League chairman Gary Hoffman has resigned after just 18 months in the position

Premier League chairman Gary Hoffman has resigned after just 18 months in the position

Newcastle were sold to a consortium of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media (pictured: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman)

Newcastle were sold to a consortium of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media (pictured: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman)

Their main grievances are understood to revolve around the speed with which the Saudi Arabian takeover at St James Park was finally pushed through and the fact they were not kept informed.


Sportnsail understands that there was fury among some that Hoffman ensured details of the Newcastle transaction were kept confidential, in accordance with competition rules. 

Those who took the biggest issue with the Newcastle takeover are their rivals fighting relegation however, some within the big six have also expressed concern.

Newcastle and Manchester City are also unhappy at the sudden ban on related-party sponsorship deals that was introduced this month. 

Hoffman was appointed in April 2020 but endured a tumultuous spell ahead of his departure

Hoffman was appointed in April 2020 but endured a tumultuous spell ahead of his departure

The change of ownership at Newcastle is worth £305million but was heavily criticised by clubs

The change of ownership at Newcastle is worth £305million but was heavily criticised by clubs

Many will be sad to see him depart given a relative improvement in relations with both the EFL and FA. 

Hoffman's departure will lead to yet more instability at the top of the Premier League, who only appointed him in June 2020 following a lengthy and bungled recruitment process to replace long-serving executive chairman Richard Scudamore.

Two candidates turned down the chief executive job and a third resigned before taking office before the eventual appointment of current incumbent Richard Masters, who then recruited Hoffman as chair. 

Amanda Staveley (right) helped negotiate and complete the recent purchase of Newcastle

Amanda Staveley (right) helped negotiate and complete the recent purchase of Newcastle

Premier League chairman Gary Hoffman RESIGNS after just 18 months

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