The controversy over the £5million farewell payment to Richard Scudamore hit its peak on Thursday as it was confirmed that he would get the money and stay on in a consultancy role.
Football fans and the wider world had been up in arms when it was reported that each Premier League side had been asked to contribute £250,000 towards his farewell payment.
Associated Press journalist Rob Harris asked some club executives what they made of the payment and West Ham chairman David Gold said “You’re almost looking for trouble… it’s all very appropriate and we’re all very pleased. The clubs will support the action.”
Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore to get £5m farewell payment spread over 3 years and stay on in consultancy role
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) November 15, 2018
West Ham co-owner @davidgold says Scudamore £5m Premier League farewell payment is “all very appropriate” pic.twitter.com/VM60buEAf2
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) November 15, 2018
OPINION
We’ve known for a long time that certain elements of the football world are out of touch with the rest of the world and there’s been no greater example recently than this. The grassroots game would absolutely love to be given £5million to enrich the lives of thousands of young footballers. And it could really make a difference. Gold is wrong too when he says that everyone is pleased about the payment. Certain clubs have refused to hand over the £250,000 and fair play to them – Huddersfield, Wolves, Leicester, Burnley and Crystal Palace, take a bow. Even Peter Moore knew the issue was a hot potato – the Liverpool CEO said he had a train to catch when asked the same question as Gold. Gold though was brazen and obviously can’t see why the rest of the country is up in arms at the news. A young Declan Rice must be watching this and shaking his head.