Premier League chairman resigns after just 18 months in the role following fierce backlash over Newcastle’s £305m Saudi-led takeover

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. This comes after some Premier League clubs wanted Hoffman to leave his position with the Premier League over his handling of the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United. Hoffman made the decision to leave after he felt he lacked the support of the majority of the clubs. 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. An announcement about his departure could be made in the coming days, an executive at one top-flight club said. All 20 top-flight clubs are understood to have been briefed on the situation. Mr. Hoffman’s impending resignation follows weeks of unrest about the decision to allow the £305m purchase of Newcastle by a consortium spearheaded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.