Claire Bradbury has stepped down from her position as Salford Red Devils' chief operating officer, making explosive claims that the club's ownership proposed she "sleep" with a Rugby Football League official to help resolve the organisation's difficulties.
The senior executive, who became Super League's first female COO when she took the role in October 2024, revealed the shocking allegation in a LinkedIn post announcing her departure on Thursday.
In her statement, she described how the ownership used "misogynistic, inappropriate language" when making the suggestion that she should sleep with an RFL representative to "smooth things over" during the club's ongoing crisis.
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Bradbury expressed disappointment with herself for not challenging the inappropriate suggestion when it occurred, explaining she remained silent because she wanted the organisation to thrive.
Salford Red Devils have been accused of 'misogynistic' language
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"At the time I stayed quiet because I wanted the club to succeed. I'm disappointed in myself that I didn't stand up to it then so I'm voicing it now as it should be heard for the integrity and evolution of rugby league, and for all women who work in sport," she wrote.
The Rugby Football League responded to the allegations, with a spokesperson telling Sky Sports News: "Any language and suggestion of this kind is clearly offensive and unacceptable."
Bradbury disclosed that she has not received her July salary, highlighting the severe financial turmoil engulfing the club under owners Sire Kailahi and Curtis Brown.
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The club are going through financial difficulties, with former COO Claire Bradbury revealing she s still awaiting her July salary
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The former COO detailed how staff have endured persistent payment delays whilst attempting to operate without crucial resources or proper organisational structure.
"Repeated delays in salary payments, an absence of essential operational tools, and a lack of agreed structure, strategy, or investment have significantly impacted the ability of staff to perform their jobs effectively," she stated.
She warned that the club risks losing its identity, describing it as "a historic club with its soul being ripped out."
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Bradbury concluded by thanking the fans for their support during her time at the club: "To our fans - you have been a constant source of motivation. You deserve a Club run with transparency, respect, and ambition. Salford Red Devils should be one of, if not the best Club in Super League.
"I remain grateful for the opportunity and am truly sorry we did not get to achieve the vision I know was possible. Under different circumstances, I have no doubt we would have built this Club."
The supporter group The 1873 announced they had cancelled a scheduled meeting with the club's owners "indefinitely" following Bradbury's revelations on Thursday.
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The supporter group The 1973 have postponed planned meetings with the board 'indefinitely'
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The fan organisation had previously arranged to hold a "peaceful and lawful protest" before Salford's Super League match against Wakefield Trinity on Sunday.
The Red Devils face a critical legal hearing with HMRC on 3 September regarding a winding-up petition, whilst struggling to field a competitive team after numerous player departures.
Manager Paul Rowley faces significant challenges assembling a squad for Sunday's fixture, with the club battling against potential relegation amid their deepening crisis.