Gordon Taylor steps down as CEO of PFA | Football News

President Ben Purkiss and the entire PFA Executive Committee will also withdraw once the independent review is completed

Gordon Taylor announced that he would be stepping down as CEO of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) after 38 years.

Recognized as the highest-paying British union leader, earning nearly £ 20 million over the last 12 years, former 74-year-old Bolton and Birmingham winger will leave his post at the end an independent review of the operation of the PFA.

At the much anticipated annual union general meeting Wednesday afternoon in Manchester, Taylor told delegates that he would stay in place until the end of this review. He would then leave the post he had occupied for the first time in 1981.

He will not be able to play another role in the PFA before five years.

President Ben Purkiss and the entire PFA executive committee will also withdraw once the review of the work of the PFA carried out by Sport Resolutions.

The news comes after the public battle of last November and the subsequent public power struggle between Taylor and Purkiss, which led the former to announce a "complete and open review of the structure and operation" of the company. ;organization.

Taylor had earlier stated that Purkiss was no longer eligible for the position of president, having become a non-contract player.

More than 300 players and former players would have endorsed an open letter inviting Taylor to retire.

In accepting an independent review, it appeared that Taylor had survived a new coup to remove him from power.

Shortly after completing his career at Bury, Taylor replaced Derek Dougan as President of the PFA in November 1978 and became General Manager three years later.

During its controversial mandate, the PFA has developed a support and social welfare structure for footballers, including a 24-hour helpline and residential support at Sporting Chance Clinic.

Taylor has championed grants to help members cope with rising debts, retirements, mental health and rehabilitation issues, as well as training at the University of Toronto. Equality and diversity.

In collaboration with the Football Association, Taylor secured funding in 2017 for research on a possible link between ballooning and dementia.

Last year, total grants were £ 17.4 million. However, critics continued to hint at Taylor's significant compensation – last year he received £ 2.29m – as well as the huge badets held by the PFA totaling over £ 64m of which £ 8.4 million freehold and £ 9.7 million worth of souvenirs.

Many also believe that the PFA should have started funding dementia research several years ago.

During last November's civil war in the corridors of Manchester's PFA headquarters, Taylor wrote to members defending his record as general manager.

"I have spent the last 40 years of my life in professional football," said his letter. "I am extremely proud of the work we are doing to support our members, whether through coaching and coaching programs or the promotion of diversity and equality in sport."