RFL CEO “confident” that new Salford ownership provides long-term stability

The interim CEO of the Rugby Football League has spoken out after the governing body approved new ownership of Salford, with the club granted RFL membership ahead of the 2026 season.

That means that Salford can compete in the Championship next year with the Salford RLFC Ltd bid, led by former Red Devils’ player Mason Caton-Brown, being successful.

Caton-Brown will head up the new club and he faces a tough task of assembling a squad and a coach with Salford slated to play their opening fixture of the season on Friday, January 16th.

The RFL statement confirming the new owners gave praise to all three bids with the unsuccessful ones believed to be headed up by former Salford man Chris Irwin and Tracy Atiga.

A statement from the RFL said: “The approval follows a thorough assessment process in which the RFL received three high-quality and extremely well-considered proposals, all focused on ensuring the preservation, continuity and future growth of professional Rugby League in the City of Salford.”

There was key praise for the bid led by Caton-Brown, which “demonstrated a clear commitment to sustainable governance, financial responsibility and long-term stability, aligned with the RFL’s strategic objectives for the professional game”.

What the RFL interim CEO said about the Salford decision

Interim RFL CEO Abi Ekoku also had his say on the three bids as he explained the decision, claiming that the governing body are confident in the decision.

Ekoku said: “The quality of proposals we received reflects the strength of commitment to Rugby League in Salford.

“Our decision, which could not have been made without the clarity and support of Salford City Council and its stadium management team (CosCos), has been taken with the long-term interests of the club, the local community at its heart and the sport of rugby league as a whole.

“We are confident this outcome provides a strong platform for club stability and growth moving forward.”

The RFL’s statement concluded by expressing hope that all parties could potentially work together in the future, however, Caton-Brown has been clear in previous interviews that wouldn’t be something he was interested in.

The governing body’s statement finished: “Finally, the RFL has expressed its hope that all submitting parties may find a mutually beneficial way of working together in the future, recognising that each demonstrated a shared commitment to delivering success for the new Salford based team and the people of Salford.”

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