Supporters’ groups have condemned the decision to pay the outgoing Premier League executive chairman, Richard Scudamore, a £5m leaving present over three years.

Scudamore, who will be replaced by Susanna Dinnage after he steps down next month – will be retained in an advisory role and receive the payment “in recognition of the outstanding work he has carried out” in a decision that was supported by all 20 Premier League clubs. The 59-year-old has also signed a comprehensive set of “non-compete clauses” that ensure he cannot join a rival organisation in that period.

Scudamore’s £5m gift reflects Premier League’s greed and ruthlessness | David Conn Read more

“The Premier League would like to put on record our thanks to Richard for his exceptional contribution to the success of the league,” the governing body said.

“Richard has made an outstanding contribution to English football,” the Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy, added. “The Premier League is the most supported league the world and he has unique knowledge and experience, which is going to be an ongoing benefit to the Premier League over the next three years.

“We were all very supportive. It was an absolutely fair payment. It was a discussion for the Premier League to make a decision because it’s a central cost and all the clubs were behind it.”

However, there was widespread criticism of the agreement to pay such a large sum to Scudamore, who it is estimated has earned more than £26m from his salary since taking over the role in 1999.

The Football Supporters’ Federation described the payment to Scudamore as “hugely unpopular” with fans, while Liverpool group Spirit of Shankly said “most supporters will look at it and think only one thing – greed”.

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It added: “The payoff to Richard Scudamore is shameful. The initial suggestion that clubs would each put in a quarter of a million pounds was rightly met with derision and anger. Whilst supporters have tribal loyalties, this issue united all in condemnation.

“Those involved in today’s decision should spend some time on their journey home quietly reflecting on the damage done. They should hang their heads in shame.

“The talk throughout has been giving him a financial reward for the riches received. They’re using money from clubs whilst supporters are left having to plead and ask for any redistribution of such wealth. It’s clearly one rule for those at the top, and another for the rest of us.”