PFA at war as chairman Ben Purkiss demands review in challenge to chief executive Gordon Taylor
Ben Purkiss believes the PFA need to modernise the way they operate, but has met immediate resistance in long-serving chief executive Gordon Taylor who wants him ousted
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) chairman Ben Purkiss has called for an independent review into the functioning of the players’ union, in a move being viewed as a challenge to long-serving chief executive Gordon Taylor.
Purkiss, a defender at third-tier Walsall, was elected chairman last November and is keen for the union to modernise, saying on Twitter on Thursday that a review is in the PFA’s best interests.
“I have a duty to act in the best interests of the PFA. Sometimes you have to make a stand for what is right. Football is rapidly evolving, players are rapidly evolving and the PFA needs to evolve too,” the 34-year-old said.
“Players past, present and future need a PFA for the modern player.”
Purkiss is pushing for the PFA to play a greater role in helping players with mental health issues, an area in which the union has been criticised for a perceived lack of effectiveness.
The call for an independent review has not gone down well with Taylor, who responded by questioning Purkiss’ eligibility to serve as chairman on the basis that he is a non-contract player at Walsall.
British newspaper the Daily Mail reported that Taylor had written to the 92 PFA club delegates this week to adjourn the union’s Annual General Meeting while raising the issue of Purkiss’ eligibility as chairman.
“There is a current issue which we are dealing with regarding the position of Ben Purkiss and his eligibility to remain as chairman and we have taken the decision to adjourn this meeting (AGM),” Taylor said in the letter.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments