League bosses quit over digital fiasco

The Football League's two leading executives have resigned over the ITV Digital fiasco that has left some clubs facing financial…

The Football League's two leading executives have resigned over the ITV Digital fiasco that has left some clubs facing financial ruin.

Chairman Keith Harris and chief executive David Burns announced their decision to quit at a meeting of League directors at a central London hotel.

The move comes days after a High Court judge ruled the bankrupt broadcaster did not have to pay millions of pounds it owed to lower division clubs.

Both had been under pressure since Carlton and Granada were told they were not liable for the £178 million (€284 million) owed to the League by ITV Digital.

READ MORE

Burns's departure was expected, but Harris's was a surprise as he was hinting that he would be taking over the role of chief executive on a temporary basis.

Harris changed his mind after a heated meeting with the directors, who were furious at the failed ITV Digital deal and the new four-year deal with Sky Television for just £95 million.

Burns defended his record as chief executive by saying his hands had been tied as the deal had been brokered before he took up the post.

However, the chief executive came in for scathing criticism about his handling of the affair. Millwall president Theo Paphitis said Burns and his fellow League directors "could not run a kebab shop".