The Premier League have been forced to resume their search for Richard Scudamore’s successor after Susanna Dinnage made a shock U-turn on taking up the role of chief executive.
Dinnage, currently global president of Discovery's Animal Planet brand, was due to take over the role early next year with Scudamore stepping down at the end of 2018.
Scudamore's role was as executive chairman, but Premier League clubs agreed to split his role: Dinnage will be chief executive, and a non-executive chair will also be appointed.
A statement released by the Premier League read: “Despite her commitment to the Premier League in early November, Susanna Dinnage has now advised the Nominations Committee that she will not be taking up the position of Chief Executive.
“The Committee has reconvened its search and is talking to candidates.
“There will be no further comment until an appointment is made.”
Possible candidates for the role include former Prime Minister Tony Blair, BBC Studios boss Tim Davie and ITV director of strategy Tom Betts - each of whom were at one stage linked with the position prior to Dinnage’s proposed appointment.
