Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore has announced that he will step down from his post by the end of the year.
The 58-year-old has worked in the role for almost 20 years, having joined the organisation in 1999.
During his tenure, the English top flight's television rights have increased in value from £670m to £5.14bn.
"It's an absolute privilege to have been allowed to enjoy this role for so long," BBC Sport quotes Scudamore as saying. "It is too much fun to be called a job.
"Football is an intoxicating environment and therefore difficult to give up being so involved, but my passion for what football means to so many and the positive impact it can make will never diminish."
Scudamore's decision to leave the role is said to have come as a surprise, with only Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck and two of the league's independent directors hearing the news in advance.
Mark Langshaw
