Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore to undergo heart surgery next week

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore (Getty Images)

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore is to undergo heart surgery next week, it has been announced.

The operation, which has been some months in the planning, is to repair "genetically defective valves" and will keep him out of the office until the end of July.

Scudamore informed the chairmen of the 20 top-flight clubs of the operation at their summer meeting.

The Premier League said in a statement: "The Premier League chief executive, Richard Scudamore, today informed member clubs that he will be undergoing a routine heart operation to correct genetically defective valves.

"The operation has been planned for some months and has been timed to minimise the impact on the running and decision making capability of the Premier League.

"Richard will undergo surgery the week commencing 9 June and expects to be playing an active role in the functions of the Premier League soon after, albeit remotely. He will return to the office at the end of July, in time for the build up to the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season.

"Both the clubs and the Premier League staff wish him a successful operation and a speedy recovery."

PA