BBC executive rejects Premier League offer as search for Richard Scudamore successor continues
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck is leading the search for a replacement after Scudamore brought an end to 19 years in charge
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Your support makes all the difference.The Premier League have suffered a second setback in their bid to replace Richard Scudamore after BBC executive Tim Davie became the second candidate to turn down the opportunity.
The chief executive of commercial division BBC Studios has opted to remain in his current role.
Susanna Dinnage had previously accepted the role of chief executive with the Premier League but reversed her decision at the end of last year to remain at Discovery as global president of the Animal Planet channel.
Davie was in the running initially to replace Scudamore, but missed out to Dinnage, and despite the Premier League’s desire to bring him on board as her replacement, he has decided he is content at the BBC, the national broadcaster said on Thursday.
Tom Betts, ITV’s director of strategy, is understood to have been on the initial shortlist.
Managing director Richard Masters will continue to be in charge on an interim basis.
Scudamore’s departure caused controversy with his acceptance of a £5 million bonus from the 20 clubs as a golden handshake.
A statement read: “The Premier League has today agreed the arrangements for Richard Scudamore stepping down from his role as Executive Chairman.
“The decision was made by the Audit and Remuneration Committee and the Non-Executive Directors, supported and endorsed by the clubs.
“The payments, which will eventually total £5m, will be spread over the next three years and are in consideration of three important areas.
“It was vital that a comprehensive set of non-complete clauses were extended, to ensure the best possible protection for the future of the Premier League.
“The payments are in recognition of the outstanding work Richard has carried out over the last 19 years.”
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