The Premier League on Thursday announced that Richard Masters had been appointed their new permanent chief executive having performed the role on an interim basis.

It comes a fortnight after David Pemsel informed the Premier League he would not be taking up the role next year following allegations in the media about his private life.

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Pemsel, the CEO of Guardian Media Group (GMG), had been set to succeed Richard Scudamore in February after his appointment was approved at a shareholders’ meeting in October.

Masters’ appointment was approved at a special meeting of Premier League clubs on Thursday.

“Richard took on the role of Interim Chief Executive a year ago,” Bruce Buck, Chelsea Chairman and Chairman of the Premier League Nominations Committee, said in a statement.

“Since then, the clubs have seen Richard rise to the occasion, dealing with our various stakeholders and partners with aplomb and skill. As interim Chief Executive, he has faced challenges head-on and has proved himself.

“The clubs believe that this is the right appointment now in the long-term interests of the Premier League.”

The appointment of Masters, formerly the Premier League’s managing director, ends a protracted search for Scudamore’s successor. Susanna Dinnage was originally chosen but later declined the role to remain at media organisation Discovery.