Salford Red Devils will launch an internal investigation after their chief operating officer resigned alleging she had been subject to “misogynistic language” and told to “sleep with an individual at the RFL” by the club’s owners to alleviate their financial crisis.
The Red Devils remain in trouble on and off the field, six months on from a takeover by a consortium led by businessman Dario Berta. Players and staff have repeatedly been paid late, the majority of their first-team squad have left and the club are in court next month to face an unpaid tax bill of almost £700,000.
Supporters will protest against the club’s ownership ahead of Sunday’s game with Wakefield Trinity but the club is now embroiled in a fresh crisis. Claire Bradbury, who joined Salford from Sale Sharks last year, resigned at the start of this week before issuing a lengthy statement outlining the reasoning behind her exit.
She wrote: “It’s important to share something more personal, as a senior woman in business. Misogynistic, inappropriate language from the ownership suggesting I sleep with an individual at the RFL to ‘smooth things over’ is not acceptable.
“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.”
In that statement, she also added: “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.”
Salford responded to Bradbury’s allegations by insisting that they will be undertaking an internal investigation. They said: “It has been alleged by a former member of the Salford Red Devils staff, who departed the club on 12 August 2025, that she was subjected to inappropriate verbal conduct by the owners of the club.
“Salford Red Devils unequivocally condemns any and all forms of inappropriate language and behaviour. We treat such allegations with the utmost seriousness and are committed to ensuring that our club environment remains respectful, professional, and safe for all members of staff.
“In response to these allegations, we will be conducting a thorough internal investigation. We are determined to establish the facts and take any necessary action to address the situation. We will provide a detailed report of our findings as soon as the investigation is concluded.”
The RFL, when contacted, said: “Any language and suggestion of this kind is clearly offensive and unacceptable.” Salford are expected to be removed from Super League at the end of this season given their long-standing financial issues.
More than 15 senior players have left for other clubs, some recouping transfer fees that have helped keep the Red Devils afloat and ultimately pay salaries. That has left Salford relying on academy products and loanees to fulfil fixtures, with a similar scenario likely for this Sunday.
But a newly-formed supporters group are planning a peaceful protest before and during that game, with the club’s owners the target.
