Arsenal end controversial Stan Kroenke payment

Arsenal have decided to end an annual £3m 'consultancy fee' paid to majority shareholder Stan Kroenke after concerns were raised by the Arsenal Supporters' Trust.

The payment to Kroenke's company Kroenke Sports Enterprises has been made for the last two years, much to the chagrin of Gunners fans.

Glyn Taylor, chairman of the supporters' trust, wrote a letter to Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick in January informing him that the group had "serious concerns" over the payments and whether they were legal.

Speaking today, AST spokesman Tim Payton told the Daily Mail: "More than 90% of our members were against this fee and believed that Stan Kroenke had not been able to justify it or explain what services he provided. We considered it to be an inappropriate payment.

"This welcome outcome shows that supporters do have a voice and organised pressure can make a difference."

In a brief statement, an Arsenal spokesman confirmed that Kroenke Sports Enterprises had "waived its entitlement to any fee in respect of services provided" to the club.