PFA: Gordon Taylor announces ‘full and open review’ into organisation in bid to head off resignation calls

The 73-year-old gave no indication that he will consider heeding the growing calls for him to step down

Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has responded to growing public criticism of his leadership by announcing “a full and open review” into the organisation.

Taylor, who has been in a position of power at the PFA for 40 years, has come under increasing fire in recent days as a result of his lucrative salary – he was paid £2.29 million last year – coupled that the organisation has not done enough to tackle important issues relating to player welfare, mental health and diversity.

Earlier this week the Telegraph reported that a petition calling for Taylor to step down was circulating among PFA members and had garnered more than 200 signatures.

In an open letter to members issued on the PFA’s official website, Taylor gave no indication that he will consider resigning his post but moved to quell the dissent within his union’s ranks by announcing the review, which he claims will be led by an independent QC.

“Over the last few days you may have seen some criticism levelled at the leadership of the PFA in the media,” Taylor said. “We have listened to what has been said about us and taken the time to think carefully about what is in the best interests of our organisation and our members.

“I have dedicated the last forty years of my life to professional football. I am extremely proud of the work we do, supporting our members, whether that’s through training and coaching programmes, or promoting diversity and equality in the sport.

Gordon Taylor is under growing pressure as PFA chief executive (Getty)

“I am happy to defend our record – including on issues such as mental health, diversity and player welfare – but I am the first to admit that there are always areas we can improve.

“We owe it to you, our members, to hold ourselves to the highest possible standards. We believe we do. However, I am adamant that criticism must not be swept under the carpet and instead addressed head on.

“It is important that we are transparent, committed to constantly improving and restless in our mission to support you.

“We will, therefore, be recommending to the PFA’s Board of Trustees and Management Committee that an independent QC conducts a full and open review into the structure and operation of the PFA as the trade union for professional footballers in England and Wales.

“We will work closely with both the Board of Trustees and Management Committee to finalise the parameters and timeline of the review, at which point we will update you.”

Accompanying the open letter were details of the PFA’s work in the areas of education, coaching, equality and diversity, dementia and pension payments for footballers.