| 3d
Gordon Taylor is to step down as chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association after an independent review has been completed, the organisation has announced.
Taylor has been in charge of the trade union for 38 years, but announced in November of last year that there would be a review following criticism led by chairman Ben Purkiss.
The 74-year-old claimed "attacks levelled at our organisation and its leadership through the media were both unfounded and unfair" but will leave the role in the near future.
The PFA held its annual general meeting in Manchester on Wednesday, where it was decided Taylor would remain at the helm until a review came to an end – confirming they had "agreed a continuity plan that will provide the organisation with stability through its upcoming independent review process."
Purkiss' challenge and the ongoing internal power struggle forced the PFA's annual general meeting in November to be delayed.
Taylor said last month that Sports Resolutions had been appointed to conduct the review and that a panel was being put in place.
Speaking after the AGM, Taylor hit out at his critics and said the PFA was now "united" in how to plan for the future.
Members of the PFA have today agreed a continuity plan that will provide the organisation with stability through its upcoming independent review process. Read the full statement here: https://t.co/TlX4NExobl — PFA | Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) March 27, 2019
"The end of 2018 was an extremely difficult period for the hard-working, excellent staff of the PFA," he said in a statement.
"Many of the attacks levelled at our organisation and its leadership through the media were both unfounded and unfair.
"It is true that, at times last year, members of the Management Committee did not see eye-to-eye on a number of issues but, following a series of meetings over the last few months, we are now united on the best way forward for the organisation."
