Fenway Sports Group CEO of Football Michael Edwards “has quit his role” in a move that creates “further uncertainty behind the scenes” at Premier League club Liverpool. Edwards returned to the FSG fold two years ago, “lured back with the remit of heading a multi-club operation,” but that ended up being an avenue FSG was “ultimately unable to pursue.” FSG President Mike Gordon “will now once again assume greater day-to-day control of Liverpool, reprising a role he held for many years” (LIVERPOOL ECHO, 7/10).
Edwards, who “leaves with one year remaining” on his contract, “informed the FSG hierarchy of his decision last autumn.” FSG is “unlikely to recruit a replacement.” When Edwards agreed to return, “he made it clear that FSG’s commitment to embarking on a multi-club model had been crucial in convincing him to accept” the role. However, “despite leading an extensive search, with analysis conducted on around 25 clubs across Europe with a strong focus on Spain, Portugal and France, no proposal got the green light from the FSG board." FSG has since “effectively shelved plans to buy a second club,” with Edwards “left frustrated by the impasse” (THE ATHLETIC, 7/10).
