Premier League chairman steps down

Anthony Fry

The Premier League’s chairman Anthony Fry, who was appointed to the role in June 2013, has stepped down because of illness.

The 59 year-old suffered a stroke in March and it was confirmed he will not be continuing in his role in a statement on the Premier League website.

The statement read: ‘Anthony Fry has decided to step down as chairman of the Premier League due to illness. He was appointed on 1 June 2013, but was taken severely ill in March 2014. His last day as chairman of the Premier League will be 30 June, 2014.’

Fry, a former BBC Trust finance committee chairman, succeeded Sir Dave Richards, who stepped down after more than 14 years in the role.

Anthony Fry said: “As is now well known, I suffered a stroke on 4 March this year.  I have been very fortunate and I am delighted to be making significant progress with my recovery.  On the advice of my doctors, however, I realise that I need to scale back my business activities.  It is with regret, therefore, that I have decided to step down from my position as Chairman of the Premier League which, given my continuing roles at Dairy Crest, CALA and Control Risks, demands more commitment than I am able to give currently.  It would not be fair to the Premier League, nor its member Clubs, not to be able to continue to give that commitment.

"I would like to thank the Premier League for its understanding and support during what has been a very difficult time.  I am sure it will continue to go from strength to strength as an impressive, professional and progressive body as well as a fantastic football competition”.