The BBC has confirmed that its Senior Executive, Tim Davie has turned down an offer to succeed Richard Scudamore as the the new head of the Premier League.
The news represents a fresh setback for the league after Susanna Dinnage surprisingly backtracked on taking the role last November.
The EPL Issued a statement as the time: “Despite her commitment to the Premier League in early November, Susanna Dinnage has now advised the Nominations Committee that she will not be taking up the position of Chief Executive” details the EPL’s media release.
“The Committee has reconvened its search and is talking to candidates. There will be no further comment until an appointment is made.”
It is believed that Davie only just missed out on the role when Dinnage was appointed, however he has now opted to continue in his role at the BBC, meaning Premier League Managing Director Richard Masters will remain in temporary charge, as the search for Scudamore’s successor continues.
The search is being led by Chelsea chairman, Bruce Buck, who is the Chair of the EPL’s Nomination Committee.
Sports stakeholders will be monitoring the EPL’s leadership search in 2019, as the world’s richest football league enters a disruptive period navigating brexit complexities, audience engagement with new media verticals, and dealing with the rising costs of match day prices.