ECB to investigate claims its chair-elect Ian Watmore left his previous job with the English Football League following accusations of misconduct.
Watmore, previously the chief executive of the Football Association, in November 2018, he left his role as an independent non-executive director with the EFL because of poor health conditions.
Ian Watmore has resigned as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the EFL Board due to health reasons.
Interim Chair, Debbie Jevans CBE said: "On behalf of myself and the Board, we wish Ian a speedy recovery and the very best for the future.” >> https://t.co/wnUjiHJXC6 pic.twitter.com/UN1OITVqR0
— EFL (@EFL) November 30, 2018
According to a report in the Daily Mail, before his departure, EFL launched an independent inquiry into claims that Watmore had been associated with talks which led to clubs threatening to launch a breakaway league and jeopardized a ₤595 million broadcast deal with Sky Sports.
ECB appointed Watmore to replace Colin Graves as chairman in February, but his new role is subject to approval by the counties next month.
An ECB representative said: “Ian Watmore was appointed following a rigorous search and selection process, led by global executive search firm Odger Berndtson and a dedicated nominations committee chaired by ECB non-executive director Lucy Pearson.
In a statement, Watmore said while with EFL, he took action to try to solve a deadlock over the TV deal and restated he left for health reasons.
“I ended up being chair of the EFL commercial committee in 2018 and inherited a challenging contract situation over the new TV deal, which had been developing over the previous year,” Watmore stated.
“In the event, all work to bring the offer to the successful result was delivered, when it was signed after a unanimous vote by the EFL board on which I sat.”
“My resignation from the EFL role was taken after medical recommendations in November 2018. Ever since, I have willingly participated in reviews by the EFL into the overall rights sale process and my role within it.”
“During my short period at the organization, I operated with honesty and integrity, and until today I have not heard any reports from the EFL that their view is any different.”
During his time at Football Association, launch the Women’s Super League and the St George’s Park projects.
Watmore has held roles with the English Football League, the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and the English Institute of Sport, as well as being a senior civil servant.
