Outgoing Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore
England’s top-flight clubs have been left stunned by a request from Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck to contribute to a £5million golden handshake for outgoing Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore.
Ahead of an emergency Premier League meeting being held in London today – where Scudamore’s successor will be announced ahead of his departure next month – Sportsmail understands that Buck has called round the 20 clubs asking for them to each make a £250,000 donation.
Buck, who has been leading the search for Scudamore’s replacement alongside Leicester chief executive Susan Whelan and Burnley chairman Mike Garlick, is known to have forged a close personal friendship with Scudamore since becoming Chelsea chairman 15 years ago.
Read Also:
And while the clubs recognise the fine job Scudamore has done during his 19 years at the helm of the Premier League, some are surprised by the bonus request given the salary and bonuses the 59-year-old has commanded in that time.
He earns a basic wage of £900,000 a year but receives closer to £2.5million a year with the bonuses he gets for negotiating the top flight’s multi-billion pound broadcasting deals.
Club officials have been asked to attend the meeting at the Premier League headquarters in London yesterday afternoon.
If they are unable to make it at short notice, they have been asked to dial in on a conference call. Scudamore’s replacement will also be high on the agenda but there will be an attempt to reach an agreement on the special payment for Scudamore.
There has, however, been some frustration among the clubs that since Scudamore announced his intention to stand down in June, there has not been a clear succession plan.
The Premier League declined to comment on Tuesday. Scudamore first joined the Premier League in 1999 and has been responsible for its meteoric growth in stature across the globe, becoming one of the most significant figures in English football in the process.
Source: G Sport
