Robert Elstone is to quit as executive chairman of Super League.

The 57-year-old former Everton chief executive had been in the post since June 2018 but had come under pressure recently to resign and in November survived a vote of no confidence.

A statement said: “Super League can confirm that it has received notice of executive chairman Robert Elstone’s intention to leave his position.

“The matter will be discussed by the Super League board and no further comment will be made at this time.”

Elstone was recruited by Super League clubs dissatisfied by the running of the game by the Rugby Football League to head up a rival administration.

His priority was to negotiate a new television deal, with the current contract with Sky Sports due to run out at the end of the 2021 season, and also sought to bring in extra revenue through private equity.

However, clubs recently rejected a proposal that is thought to have been worth £61million in return for giving up a 27 per cent stake to private equity firm Novalpina Capital and officials are also bracing themselves for a reduction in TV income.