Collingwood President Eddie McGuire is standing down effective immediately, per The Age.
Pressure has mounted on McGuire following the club’s ‘Do Better’ report into racism found the club guilty of systemic racism.
Collingwood called a shock press conference this afternoon to make the announcement.
McGuire was set to depart the Magpies at the end of 2021.
Speaking at the press conference, an emotional McGuire said:
“Good afternoon everyone. I try my best and I don’t always get it right, but I don’t stop trying, but today effective immediately I step down from the presidency of the Collingwood Football Club.”
“My sole motivation was to heal, unite and inspire the new social conscious not just into this club but into sport in general and build a place that would be an opportunity for all people.”
McGuire explained why he brought forward the decision to retire from the end of 2021 to now.
“I don’t think that is now either fair or tenable for the club or the community. People have latched on to my opening line last week and have become a lightning rod for vitriol.”
“I leave knowing one thing for certain - in every endeavour, my heart has been true. Never, have I ever, turned my back on anyone who's asked for support.”