The Rugby Football League has been asked to produce an action plan detailing how it will comply with Sport England’s Code for Sports Governance, with critical funding for the sport due to be released next month remaining in the balance.
Sport England has threatened to withhold the next instalment of a £16m funding package as a result of concerns over the RFL’s governance.
During a turbulent few months for the RFL the chair, Simon Johnson, and several other directors have resigned from the board and that was followed by the controversial return of the former chief executive Nigel Wood, initially as interim chair and now as senior executive director.
Sport England has concerns about whether the process which led to Wood’s return complied with the governance code and, during a meeting on Tuesday with the RFL, demanded assurances that the league will do so in future.
The RFL has also been asked to produce a detailed timeline for the departures of Wood and the rest of a new interim board, who were put in place last month. An open recruitment process for new board members is planned for next March.
In a statement, Sport England confirmed it had held talks with Wood and the RFL chief executive, Tony Sutton, and had outlined what steps must be taken next to remain compliant.
It said: “Sport England hosted a constructive meeting with the RFL yesterday, at which the organisation’s leadership confirmed its commitment to good governance and compliance with the Code for Sports Governance.
“As required by Sport England, the RFL is currently producing a Governance Action Plan which sets out steps the organisation will take to become compliant with the code, including a timeline for appointments to replace the interim board.
“The RFL understands the importance of adhering to the code in exchange for public funding, and we look forward to reviewing its action plan in due course.”
However, the Guardian understands that it remains possible Sport England could still choose against releasing the next six-figure payment due next month should the RFL’s action be deemed unsatisfactory.
Wood returned to the board in March, initially as interim chair in a move the RFL stressed was temporary before clubs ratified his position as senior executive director last month. He has also been appointed as chair of Rugby League Commercial, the arm of the sport that looks after broadcasting and sponsorship deals.
