Cliftonville FC have confirmed chairman Keiran Harding has stood down from his role at the north Belfast club.
Directors David Begley and Adrian Keenan have also resigned from their roles.
The announcement follows the news that the Toronto Investment Group (TIG) had withdrawn their investment proposal to complete a takeover of the Irish League club.
Cliftonville confirmed the trio have departed with a brief statement on the club website.
“Cliftonville Football Club confirms the resignation of Chair Kieran Harding, Facilities Director Adrian Keenan and co-opted Director David Begley from the Management Committee,” it read.
“It is with great reluctance the resignations are accepted, and recognition and thanks are given to them for their dedication and hard work for the club over the past years.
“The club secretary will advise of the next steps to fill the posts vacated on an interim basis as soon as possible.”
Harding became chairman of the north Belfast club two years ago, replacing Begley, after both played and managed in the Irish League.
The proposed TIG takeover proved a major issue between the board and supporters, but Harding, who referenced “a vicious, abusive and threatening campaign to remove us”, insists he “always acted in the best interests of the club, whilst protecting its long-term interest.”
“Having served as chair of this great club for over two years, I, along with David Begley and Adrian Keenan, today will step down as chair and directors,” read Harding’s statement.
“Throughout, we have always acted in the best interests of the club, whilst protecting its long-term interest.
“In recent months, we have been subjected to a vicious, abusive and threatening campaign to remove us, for holding others to account, in particular the recent investment proposal from TIG.”
It continued: “Having made my position clear that this investment presented significant risk for the club, we have remained in place to ensure due diligence was followed.
“Subsequently, this due diligence has culminated in TIG withdrawing their proposal, and therefore the time has come to step down and avoid any further harm, distress or disrespect.
“It remains our belief that the ‘right’ investment is required.”
