Bulldogs boss overthrown in ‘boardroom coup’ on season’s eve

Bulldogs chairman John Khoury is reportedly set to be axed from the club’s board ahead of an AGM on the eve of the 2024 NRL season.

Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett, Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton and Bulldogs chairman John Khoury . Source: Supplied.

John Khoury is reportedly set to be replaced as the Bulldogs’ chairman at an annual board meeting on the eve of the 2024 NRL season.

The Daily Telegraph is reporting Khoury is set to be ousted from his position during a meeting on Sunday, having been in charge at the Canterbury-Bankstown club since 2020, calling it a “boardroom coup”.

Khoury reportedly will stand down on Sunday and there is said to be no animosity between the current chairman and the man set to succeed him.

Board member and co-founder of billion-dollar business Quantium Adam Driussi is reportedly in line to take over the role, holding a close relationship with Phil Gould and chief executive Aaron Warburton.

Gould has reportedly spoken to Khoury who will reportedly announce the changes at Sunday’s AGM.

“I am very proud of what I achieved in my role as chair across all facets of the club and I have always believed in succession planning. We have a succession plan in place and we are fully committed to seeing that plan through,” Khoury told the SMH.

“What everyone needs to know is that this is a unanimous decision. I will very much remain a dual director of both the football and league clubs of which I am very proud of.

“It’s sad to see news emerging ahead of the AGM and my planned update. I remain as supportive as ever of the Bulldogs and I will make my announcement as intended on Sunday.”

Outgoing chairman John Khoury, club legend Josh Jackson and new chair Adam Driussi.

Khoury was reportedly the person who hired Gould to oversee the club’s footballing operations and also Warburton.

Driussi was also brought onto the club’s board by Khoury and is reportedly now set to take his job and replace him.

Khoury is set to become the third chairman replaced in six years, with Ray Dib and Lynne Anderson also being shown the door.

Despite being ousted as chairman, Khoury is reportedly set to stay on both the football club and Leagues club’s board as a director.

Khoury is widely admired by Bulldogs fans, with the moving coming after an impressive pre-season challenge win over the Storm on Thursday night.

Originally published as Bulldogs boss overthrown in ‘boardroom coup’ on season’s eve