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Collingwood Magpies name Mark Korda as Eddie McGuire’s replacement as club president

Steve LarkinAAP
VideoAFL: Speaking for the first time since his departure as President of the Collingwood Football Club, Eddie McGuire has refused to turn on his former club.

Collingwood have appointed Mark Korda as president, replacing Eddie McGuire who quit after a report found systemic racism at the AFL club.

Korda had been acting as co-president with fellow director Peter Murphy since McGuire resigned on February 9.

“I take on this role with the strong belief that we have ... a wonderful legacy, a strength and spirit with which we must seek to do and be better,” Korda said in a statement on Wednesday night.

“We have challenges but great people and passion to meet them.”

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Mark Korda
Camera IconCollingwood have appointed Mark Korda as president, replacing Eddie McGuire. Credit: AAP

The report highlighted systemic problems with the club’s processes in reacting to incidents of racism.

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McGuire was under intense pressure to quit when the report was leaked to the media on February 1.

The high-profile commentator and television identity initially refused to step down.

An open letter calling on the club to sack McGuire circulated, signed by senior Indigenous figures among others.

McGuire, who had been due to relinquish the presidency at the end of this year, initially claimed the report’s release was “a proud day” for the Magpies.

The 56-year-old later conceded his wording was inappropriate but was defiant to the end, praising Collingwood’s support for Indigenous Australians and emphasising the report reflected the club’s commitment to improving.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Eddie McGuire celebrates during the 2019 AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 06, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)
Camera IconEddie McGuire resigned as Collingwood president earlier this year. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

“The report says, ‘That the Collingwood Football Club commissioned an independent review of its process of dealing with racism reflects the realisation within the club that something fundamental needs to change.

“It needs to be noted and underlined that in undertaking this review, the club was unflinching in holding a mirror to itself.

“It was a brave first step that few would have the courage to take and shows the seriousness with which the club takes this issue’.”

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