{
  "id": 220414,
  "title": "Macclesfield FC director resigns following suspension",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/macclesfield-fc-director-resigns-following-suspension",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-06T13:14:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/macclesfield-fc-director-resigns-following-131453286.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Macclesfield FC director Rob Smethurst has resigned following his suspension in June, after being arrested in May on suspicion of a coercive control offence. The businessman purchased the defunct Macclesfield Town in 2020 and guided the club from the ninth tier of English football to the National League, culminating in a remarkable victory over FA Cup holders Crystal Palace, described as the greatest upset in the competition's history. Smethurst's resignation follows his arrest in Wilmslow, Cheshire, on 19 May, where he was initially released on bail pending further inquiries. Despite his suspension, Smethurst maintained his status as a shareholder and openly admitted that founding Macclesfield FC had \"saved his life\" from addiction. Macclesfield FC confirmed Smethurst's decision to step down as a director, stating that he has \"other personal interests\" away from the club, allowing him to dedicate more time to them. The club expressed gratitude for his ongoing support during the upcoming exciting new season.",
  "summary": "Local businessman Rob Smethhurst stepped in to buy the defunct club but was suspended in June after being arrested a month earlier.",
  "key_points": [
    "Macclesfield FC director Rob Smethurst resigns.",
    "Suspended in June after May arrest on coercive control.",
    "Bought Macclesfield Town in 2020, led to FA Cup upset."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}