The Premier League has defended its working environment after the woman who blew the whistle on sexist emails sent by CEO Richard Scudamore said she was “humiliated, belittled and disgusted” by the messages, according to the SUNDAY TIMES. Rani Abraham, who worked as a temporary personal assistant for Scudamore, said, “This is not the sort of thing that goes on in offices these days.” The Premier League said in a statement that "a review of the matter was under way" before a hearing Monday by its audit and remuneration committee, chaired by Chelsea Chair Bruce Buck. The statement said, "We do not recognise this characterisation of the working environment at the Premier League, nor do we believe that it can be supported by the facts. Scudamore has already apologized for any offence caused and a proper review of all the evidence is now under way within the Premier League’s established and rigorous procedures." Premier League title sponsor Barclays "has reportedly expressed its disappointment, which has raised the stakes" ahead of Monday's meeting of the audit and remuneration committee. Buck’s involvement "has also raised questions however, as he is known to be a friend and shooting partner of Scudamore’s" (SUNDAY TIMES, 5/18). In London, Jason Burt wrote the committee consists of Buck, former ManU CEO David Gill, Stoke City Chair Peter Coates and former Blackburn Rovers Chair John Williams. The increasing pressure surrounding the case "makes it unlikely he will escape without censure." If it determines that he should be punished, "it will make a recommendation to the Premier League’s 20 clubs, who would have the final say over his fate at the league’s annual general meeting on June 5" (TELEGRAPH, 5/17). It is the clubs "who will cast final judgment on the allegations of sexism" (LONDON TIMES, 5/19). The FA board "will discuss the matter on Tuesday, a day after the Premier League's audit and remuneration panel meets" (INDEPENDENT, 5/18).
RABBATTS CALLS FOR REVIEW: In London, Owen Gibson wrote Heather Rabbatts, the FA's only female director and chair of its inclusion board, has accused the Premier League of having a "closed culture of sexism" and said Scudamore should give "serious consideration" to his position in light of the storm over leaked offensive emails. The intervention by Rabbatts, one of two independent FA directors, "ramps up the pressure on Scudamore and the Premier League audit and remuneration committee." Rabbatts said, "Sadly, recent events appear to show that these things are currently lacking in the administration of the Premier League and, indeed, there is growing evidence of a closed culture of sexism, symbolized in the email exchanges which have been made public." Rabbatts "called for an urgent review of the Premier League's governance arrangements." Rabbats: "I personally hope that progress can be made on all of these fronts so that we can feel confident that the leaders of football are accountable for their actions and support a culture that genuinely welcomes the participation of women and girls in our national game" (GUARDIAN, 5/17). In London, Jonathan Northcroft wrote Scudamore's future "looked increasingly certain." Scudamore on Saturday "attended the Rugby League Magic Weekend in Manchester instead of the FA Cup final" (SUNDAY TIMES, 5/18).
UNINTENDED VICTIM: In London, Michael Calvin wrote "the Head Boy of the billionaires’ ball club is trapped in a perfect storm of opprobrium." Accusations of sexism, "at a time when women’s sport is gaining long-overdue recognition and the equality agenda is paramount, are calamitous." Why "should we be so diverted by a 54-year-old businessman who behaves with the puerility of a 14-year-old schoolboy?" Scudamore, developer of a global sporting phenomenon, "will not appreciate the irony that he may become an unintended victim of the culture he helped to create" (INDEPENDENT, 5/17). Also in London, Gibson wrote in 15 years overseeing the growth of the Premier League, Scudamore "has negotiated, plotted, schemed and charmed his way through some difficult situations as the English top flight has continued its exponential rise." But on Monday, at the hands of one of his closest allies in the game, "he will face perhaps his sternest personal test." The slow-burning row over sexist jokes "has threatened to turn into a major scandal" with Saturday's comments from Rabbatts "the most devastating contribution yet" (GUARDIAN, 5/17).
