Eddie McGuire

An emotional Eddie McGuire has stepped down as Collingwood president, effective immediately, after nearly 23 years at the helm, declaring it was “not fair or tenable” for him to see out the rest of the season. McGuire fronted Magpies players, staff and reporters for 15 minutes on Tuesday to read a prepared statement that confirmed he’d stepped aside from his role earlier than planned. The sensational move comes in the wake of his controversial response to do club’s ‘Do Better’ report, which detailed how the club had handled racism claims. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. Eddie McGuire walks past premiership cups with his family as he prepared to confirm his decision to step down as Magpies president. Picture: Mackenzie SweetnamSource: Getty Images Watch every match of the 2021 NAB AFLW Competition LIVE on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly Despite ample criticism , McGuire last week said he wouldn’t leave his Pies presidency role early. But after pressure intensified recently — Collingwood board members began to ask whether it was in the club’s best interest for him to continue in 2021 before an open letter advising McGuire to “step down immediately” was circulated among community leaders — he decided to quit. McGuire broke down in tears speaking about his love of footy, while he thanked every former Collingwood coach, fellow club chief executives and AFL bosses. “Today, effective immediately, I step down from the presidency of the Collingwood Football Club.” McGuire’s call comes following the release of a report into systemic racism at the club and the furore around the press conference where he called it a “proud day” for the Magpies . Collingwood president Eddie McGuire leaves after nearly 23 years in the role. Picture: Alex CoppelSource: News Corp Australia “However, I don’t think continuing is either fair or tenable for the community. People have latched onto my opening line last week and I’ve become a lightning rod for vitriol, but worse, have placed the club in a position where it is hard to move forward with the implementation of our plans in clear air.” AFL Commission chairman Richard Goyder lauded McGuire’s decision and paid tribute to his “enormous contribution” to Collingwood and the AFL over past 22 years. “We will have time to properly acknowledge his contribution to the club and to the football community in the weeks ahead but one thing is clear in that Eddie leaves Collingwood in better shape than when he started as president,” Goyder said. “Eddie’s actions today showed his commitment to put the Collingwood Football Club first and to ensure the focus for the club was on moving to implement the 18 recommendations of the Do Better report.” McGuire, who was planning to leave his role as Collingwood president at the end of the 2021 season , said his “sole motivation” as president had been to “heal, unite, inspire and drive a new social conscience”. McGuire spoke about the Indigenous initiatives the club had undertaken under his leadership, saying how the recent review was about the future of the Magpies. Collingwood President Eddie McGuire has stepped down. Picture: Alex CoppelSource: News Corp Australia McGuire said he’d “committed myself to making Collingwood the best place it could be”, adding he wanted the club’s playing group to have no distractions and clear minds heading into the season. Collingwood players and officials watch Eddie McGuire. Picture: Alex Coppel.Source: News Corp Australia McGuire thanked his family and the “enormous pressure” they’d felt during his tenure. “Never, have I ever, turned my back on anyone who’s asked for support.”