Seven CEO, Tim Worner, has resigned his position from the board of the Sydney Swans after prolonged pressure.
In a statement to media overnight, Worner said: “My hope is that by standing down, I can relieve pressure on the Board and the Club and let them concentrate on the business of football, and a successful home and away season in 2017.”
Worner, of course, is embroiled in an ongoing legal dispute with former mistress and Seven employee Amber Harrison.
Since news of the affair broke, Harrison has done her best to try and besmirch Worner and Seven. This could be seen as a win for her.
Seven is the AFL broadcast partner and many felt Worner’s ongoing presence on the board was damaging, particularly with the advent (and success) of the AFL women’s league.
On Monday, Swans chief executive Andrew Ireland reportedly told a room full of female Swans fans that he would discuss the “appropriateness” of Worner remaining a director of the club.
There had been rumblings about Worner’s position as far back as mid-February when Fairfax commentator Caroline Wilson wrote: “The Seven Network’s handling of the Worner affair is a corporate issue for Kerry Stokes and his board but at a time when the AFL is holding its players, coaches and officials to higher-than-ever behavioural standards surely club board members also must remain accountable.”
Worner’s media statement read in full:
“Please be advised that today I have tendered my resignation from the Board of the Sydney Swans and that my resignation has been accepted, effective immediately.
“My hope is that by standing down, I can relieve pressure on the Board and the Club and let them concentrate on the business of football, and a successful home and away season in 2017.
“During last year, working alongside some of the best business and sporting brains in the industry was a privilege – and an experience I’m most grateful for.
“As the Club surges towards the last weekend in September, I’ll be right there beside them, and wish them every success.”
