Premier League chairman, Gary Hoffman, has resigned from his role after just 18 months in the job, according to The Athletic.
It is believed that details of his exit are now being finalised, after a number of topflight clubs wanted him to leave last month.
The Saudi Arabia-led takeover of Newcastle United is a major issue for the Premier League clubs which have dissented against Hoffman, but is not believed to be the only problem.
The controversy over the proposed European Super League had already caused unrest, but the Newcastle situation proved too much for Hoffman to survive.
There are concerns about how the new owners passed the owners’ and directors’ test due to human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, with Amnesty International since calling for the ownership test to be changed.
When he took the role in April last year Hoffman, who was chairman of Monzo Bank Limited, Hastings Group Holdings plc and Coventry Building Society at the time, said: “Football has been central to my life as a fan, an administrator and in my business career, so it is an honour to join the Premier League as Chair.
“During my time at the Football Foundation, I saw how the growth of the Premier League, to become the world’s most-watched sporting competition, helped it play an increasingly pivotal role in communities across the country.
“Now everyone in football, at home and abroad, is coming together to support one another through the COVID-19 pandemic. I am convinced this spirit of togetherness will help the game we cherish, and the Premier League, endure long into the future.”
