Rugby Football League chairman, Simon Johnson has stepped down ‘to enable sport to move forward constructively’.
Simon Johnson will leave his role this week as part of the ongoing shake-up amongst Salford Red Devils and the league.
Johnson’s announcement seems to have anticipated a motion, set to be presented at a Council meeting on Wednesday, by two clubs, Leigh and Batley, urging his resignation.
His decision comes after the RFL’s announcement earlier this week that director of operations Robert Hicks, who has been suspended since October pending an investigation, will also be stepping down from his position.
The RFL Chairman said: “I am proud of all that we have achieved in my six years as Chair.
“It has always been my aim to lead an inclusive sport with integrity, honesty, authenticity, and openness. My interest has always been to put Rugby League first.”
He continued: “To enable the sport to move forward constructively, I have decided to step down as chair at close of business on Wednesday 12 March.
“There is a need to discuss how change can be made, without exposing the sport to undue risk, and I hope that by stepping down I can help those discussions to take place constructively.”
Johnson’s exit comes at the time of increased relentless amongst Super League boardrooms about the direction in which the sport is heading.
There has been increased frustration over the RFL’s managing of Salford’s financial crisis, especially the imposition and re-imposition of salary cap restrictions for the Red Devils.
The restriction for the Red Devils followed from the club’s delay of funding following the takeover with funds currently pending regulatory clearance.
The Salford Red Devils were granted dispensation to name an almost full-strength squad against Castleford Tigers despite being hit with another salary cap sanction this week.
The ruling raised the prospect of Salford having to play the same youth team line-up that crashed to a record 82-0 defeat at St Helens on the opening day of the Super League season, or being forced to forfeit the game.
Nonetheless, Simon Johnson will leave his role as the RFL Chairman this week, as he added: “I wish the sport, in all forms and with all of its supporters and its clubs, the very best for a healthy, sustainable and constructive future.”
The process of securing a new Chair will be decided in due course following a formal review.
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