BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Exclusive: Former Salford Red Devils CEO Chris Irwin’s departure in May came amid internal concerns over his conduct, according to documents seen by rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads.
On May 6, Salford publicly made a statement on May 6 that Irwin had “stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer, having formally tendered his resignation.” However, an email seen by rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads indicates that club owner Sire Kailahi informed Irwin on the same day that the organisation intended to accept his resignation in light of issues the owners alleged had affected the club.
In the email, Kailahi wrote: “It is with regret that I note that part of our acceptance of your resignation follows a series of actions by yourself that have brought the club into disrepute.
“We feel a strong sense of responsibility to our players, the fans and the club itself to ensure that more positive and focussed leadership takes the club forward.
“Specifically, on 17 March, 2025 – we were contacted by Senior Executives acting on behalf of the Super League owners and CEOs, requesting your immediate removal, due to your lack of professionalism and knowledge of the game, as well as poor judgement on crucial matters, such as player transfers, which has lost SRD over £250k, lack of leadership for the SRD staff, non existent development and leadership from you.
“This followed complaints about your conduct at a number of games, especially when you had been consuming alcohol. These issues were raised with you verbally at the time, but subsequent complaints suggested there had not been an improvement.
“Additionally, you were aware that there was an NDA that had been signed in respect of current negotiations with Salford Council concerning the acquisition of Salford Community Stadium. This NDA was signed to ensure non disclosure of any information about this deal, which you have been a part of the discussions.
“In your role as CEO. You were well aware that an implied, if not express, term of your employment was confidentiality in respect of these negotiations and all business affairs of SRD.
“On 10 Mar, 2025 & 11 Apr 2025, SRD was served with a formal warning about comments you made that would have put SRD in breach of the NDA through an online official statement you released and an unsanctioned Sky TV live appearance, releasing confidential information.
“This series of events makes your continuing in the role untenable and we feel we have no choice but to accept your resignation.
“We thank you for your work in the past few months, but we agree that a new path forward is required if we are to see the sustained improvement in the operations of the club, and seize the opportunities in front of us.”
Irwin has totally refuted the allegations made and denied that any of his actions brought the club into disrepute.
“My interactions with Sire Kailahi and Curtiz Brown were entirely professional and occurred through the standard discussions that take place around club operations and potential investment,” he told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads.
“Any suggestion that I acted improperly or brought the club into disrepute is completely untrue and the allegations being circulated privately are without foundation.
“I was introduced to them, not the other way round, and like everyone else involved in the process, was led to believe they had the suitable investment to save the club. Myself, the RFL, players, staff, fans, HRMC, various banks, have been lied to.
“Although documentation may say I resigned, that’s simply not the case. I also will not engage with attempts to recycle personal rumours or character attacks.”
Salford Red Devils’ wider financial situation has deteriorated significantly in recent months and on Wednesday, December 3, the club’s RFL membership was terminated, and liquidation proceedings began after the organisation was wound up in the High Court over outstanding debts.
It is understood the club owes several million pounds to creditors, including HMRC, Salford Council, former players and staff, and other creditors.
Following the collapse earlier this week, Irwin issued a statement through a PR company indicating that he is working with a consortium that intends to bid for Salford’s RFL membership and relaunch the club.
Irwin told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads that these new allegations are part of an attempt to discredit his consortium.
“These claims did not arise during the time I was at the club, or even in the five months afterwards, they are only being raised now, during what has become a competitive bidding process and that speaks for itself,” he said.
“Regarding elected officials, including Jack Youd, my relationship with them is purely professional. He is not part of the group exploring a new club and any suggestions otherwise are incorrect.
“He has however advised us and other consortiums as he only wants what is best for rugby league in Salford – the same as myself and everyone involved in our group.
“Our consortium will be outlined formally and transparently at the appropriate stage, consistent with the requirements of the liquidators and the governing bodies.
“My focus and the focus of the people I’m working with is on securing a stable, community-led future for rugby league in Salford.”
Kailhali and former co-owner Curtiz Brown have not responded to requests for comment today.
It is understood that Irwin’s consortium includes Salford deputy mayor Jack Youd.
Yesterday on X, Youd denied he was involved with the board of the Irwin group, stating he had only provided advice to them.
“I’m advising all groups if they want my advice,” Youd posted. “So far I’ve given advice to both Paul Hancock’s group and Chris Irwin’s group.
“I’ve decided not to be a non exec director of any group.”