The Premier League agreed to give outgoing Exec Chair Richard Scudamore a "golden handshake" worth £5M ($6.4M) "despite objections from some clubs and supporter groups," according to Murad Ahmed of the FINANCIAL TIMES. Chelsea Chair Bruce Buck, who leads the EPL's audit and remuneration committee, asked the 20 clubs in English football’s top division to contribute £250,000 ($319,000) each to the parting bonus for Scudamore. The payment was "supported and endorsed" by the clubs, according to an EPL statement on Thursday. The payment will be spread over the next three years (FT, 11/15).
AN EYE ON THE FUTURE: In London, Morgan & Burt reported defending the payment to Scudamore, the league said in a statement, "It was vital that a comprehensive set of non-compete clauses were extended, to ensure the best possible protection for the future of the Premier League. It was agreed that it is crucial for the League’s ongoing success that Richard’s unique knowledge and experience remain available in an advisory capacity" (TELEGRAPH, 11/15). In London, Ed Aarons reported Tottenham Chair Daniel Levy defended the payment. He said, "Richard has made an outstanding contribution to English football. The Premier League is the most supported league the world and he has unique knowledge and experience which is going to be an ongoing benefit to the Premier League over the next three years." Previously, the Football Supporters' Federation described the proposed payment as "hugely unpopular" with supporters. The FSF said, "Premier League clubs have always told fan groups that budgets are planned in advance and there's not a surplus of cash lying around from their extremely lucrative TV deal. ... Now it appears clubs can stick their hands down the back of the sofa and find £250,000 at a moment's notice" (GUARDIAN, 11/15).
