Premier League confirm Gary Hoffman will step down as chair after resigning 18 months into role

The Premier League have confirmed chair Gary Hoffman will leave his post at the end of January.

The league thanked Hoffman, 61, for his ‘committed service’ in announcing the news, which comes amid controversy created by the £305million Newcastle takeover that was completed last month.

Hoffman said: ‘It has been a privilege to lead the Premier League through the last two seasons – when the spirit of English football has been more important than ever.

‘Now, I have decided the time is right for me to stand aside to allow new leadership to steer the league through its next exciting phase.’  

Hoffman resigned after less than 18 months in the job following a backlash from clubs over the Saud-led takeover at St James’ Park.

Sportsmail revealed last month that Burnley owner Alan Pace expressed no confidence in Hoffman’s leadership at an emergency shareholders’ meeting held on October 19, 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 sides. 

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

Sportsmail 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 were also joined by Manchester City in expressing their displeasure at the sudden ban on related-party sponsorship deals that was introduced this month. 

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 further 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.