The Professional Footballers’ Association has recommended a “full and open” independent review from a QC into its structure and operation, chief executive Gordon Taylor has announced.
Taylor is facing calls to stand down with an open letter calling for change at the players’ union having received the backing of more than 200 current or former players.
PFA chairman Ben Burkiss had called for an independent review into the organisation, which Taylor has led since 1981 with an annual salary of £2.29m.
In an open letter to the union members Taylor said: “I am happy to defend our record – including on issues such as mental health, diversity and player welfare – but I am the first to admit that there are always areas we can improve.
“We owe it to you, our members, to hold ourselves to the highest possible standards. We believe we do. However, I am adamant that criticism must not be swept under the carpet and instead addressed head on.
“It is important that we are transparent, committed to constantly improving and restless in our mission to support you.
“We will, therefore, be recommending to the PFA’s Board of Trustees and Management Committee that an independent QC conducts a full and open review into the structure and operation of the PFA as the trade union for professional footballers in England and Wales.”
