LONDON: The Premier League is back on the hunt for a new chief execetive again after David Pemsel resigned before he had even started work.

The 51-year-old, who had not been due to take up his job until April, has stood down after allegations earlier this week in The Sun concerning his private life.

A Premier League statement said: “Following media disclosures earlier this week and discussions with David Pemsel, the Premier League has today accepted David’s resignation and he will no longer be joining as chief executive.

“Richard Masters will continue as interim chief executive. No further comment will be made at this stage.”

Pemsel was named in the role just last month, when the Premier League announced his arrival from Guardian Media Group.  His appointment came after broadcasting executive Susanna Dinnage had accepted the job at the end of last year, only to change her mind and decide to stay at the Discovery media group.

Tim Davie, the chief executive of BBC Studios, was also reported to have turned down the position.

The search for a new Premier League chief to succeed long-serving and highly-successful Richard Scudamore has been led by the Chelsea chairman, Bruce Buck, assisted by headhunter specialists.

At the time of Pemsel’s appointment, Buck praised his “straightforward style and personal integrity”.

Under Scudamore, the Premier League was renowned for its cash-generating efficiency in becoming one of the richest sporting competitions in the world. The broadcasting revenues shared by its 20 clubs amount to £9.2bn over the next three seasons.

#############