LONDON — Tom Ilube announced his resignation as chairman of the England Rugby Football Union (RFU) on Friday amidst escalating criticism over executive compensation packages.

Community rugby clubs had begun rallying support for a possible no-confidence vote regarding Ilube’s leadership, largely due to his involvement in setting the salaries for top earners within the organization.

Concerns were particularly voiced over the significant pay of chief executive Bill Sweeney, who is set to earn 1.1 million pounds ($1.4 million) for the upcoming financial year, which includes a bonus of 358,000 pounds ($448,000). This decision followed the RFU’s announcement in September about laying off 42 employees and a record operating loss of 37.9 million pounds for the previous fiscal year ending this past June.

In addition to Ilube’s resignation, the RFU revealed plans for an independent review of its executive remuneration policies.

“I have chosen to resign from my position as chair of the RFU as recent events have diverted attention from the sport itself, but I will remain in my role until a new chair is appointed to ensure a seamless transition,” Ilube stated in an official RFU release.

Reports from British media indicate that former chairman Bill Beaumont may step in temporarily; he recently concluded his tenure as chair of World Rugby.