Webb, who has been in the position since June 2011, has decided to stand aside as he feels he can no longer give the role the attention it deserves.

Since 2017, he has been based across the Atlantic Ocean, working firstly as a Video Review Manager for the Professional Referee Organization (PRO), implementing VAR into Major League Soccer in the US and Canada, before becoming PRO General Manager.

That job, and his recent marriage to Bibiana Stenhaus who is based in Hanover in Northern Germany, means Webb is unlikely to return to the UK sufficiently in the future to be able to continue his role as NCEL president to the level that he would like.

In a letter to the league, Webb said: "I am extremely disappointed that I have not been able to fulfil, or live up to, my intentions to be an active president for the league, due to the changes in my professional and personal circumstances.

"It’s not been possible for me to really add value due to being based overseas for so long.

"While I was hopeful until relatively recently that I would be 'coming home' at some point in the not too distant future, although this is still possible depending of work opportunities that may arise in the UK, it now looks less likely.

"The league deserves a president who is present and active and can be more than simply a name on the website, which is unfortunately what I’ve become.

"So, I wanted to grasp the nettle and offer my resignation as president to enable a more worthy candidate to take up the reins."

The league, although saddened by Howard's departure, fully understand his reasons for stepping down and we wish him all the best for the future.

The league board will make an announcement on any potential replacement in due course.

(Photo shows Howard Webb (right) with then-NCEL chairman David Morrall after he had been sworn in as president at the 2011 NCEL AGM.)