LONDON: Businessman Gary Hoffman is to quit as Premier League chairman after only 18 months in the job.

Hoffman infuriated the clubs over the league’s muddled handling of the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United.

He had taken on the chairmanship in June 2020 before the resumption of top-flight fixtures after the coronavirus lockdown.

He said in a statement: “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.”

His looming departure comes at a sensitive time for English football, with a wide-ranging review overseen by the former sports minister, Tracey Crouch, expected to be published next week.

The report will recommend the establishment of IREF (the Independent Regulator for English Football), which will assume new powers to regulate the ownership and governance of professional clubs.

Hoffman’s stiffest test came in April this year when six English clubs confirmed that they had signed to join a projected European Super League.

The project imploded in less than 48 hours amid a torrent of criticism from fans, politicians and football administrators including the Premier League.

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