Robert Elstone has given notice of his intention to leave his role as executive chairman to the board of rugby league’s Super League.
His decision to step down comes just 44 days before the start of the new 2021 season, and two-and-a-half years after his appointment in June 2018.
Elstone, 57, came back to rugby league after 13 years as chief executive at Premier League side Everton.
The board say they will now discuss the decision before making comment.
Elstone had previously worked for the Rugby Football League – the game’s governing body – during the mid-1990s.