Susanna Dinnage has told the Premier League that she will not take up the role as chief executive, after she originally agreed to replace the outgoing Richard Scudamore in November.
The former broadcasting executive had said being offered the role was a “great privilege”, but has since walked away from the lucrative position.
The nominations committee that selected Dinnage as Scudamore’s replacement will reconvene and restart the process of appointing a new chief executive in the New Year.
In a statement released on Sunday evening, the Premier League said: “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.”
The Premier League’s initial appointment of Dinnage highlighted its desire to continue their focus on broadcasting and utilise her experience at MTV networks and the 10 years she spent at Discovery.
At the time the Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck, who played a key role in the appointment, praised Dinnage as a “leading figure in the broadcasting industry” and an “outstanding choice”.
Scudamore oversaw an astonishing rise in the value of the league’s broadcasting rights from £670m to more than £5bn since taking charge in 1999.
The 59-year-old left in controversial circumstances after accepting a £5m departure bonus from all 20 Premier League clubs that was deemed “unpopular” by the Football Supporters Federation as well as receiving criticism from other supporter groups and the wider football community.
“The payments are in recognition of the outstanding work Richard has carried out over the last 19 years,” said the Premier League in defence of the bonus.
Scudamore continues to work for the Premier League in an advisory role as his phasing out period commences.
