Female director resigns after being asked to 'sleep with tournament boss'

In a bombshell LinkedIn post, Ms Bradbury revealed the reasons behind her decision to leave Salford Red Devils amid the club’s crisis, saying the inappropriate, misogynistic rhetoric from the league’s owners was unacceptable.

"The misogynistic, inappropriate comments from the owner suggesting I sleep with an individual at the RFL to 'settle things' are unacceptable," Ms Bradbury wrote.

She added: “I was silent at the time because I wanted the club to succeed. I was disappointed in myself for not standing up against it, so I am speaking out now because it needs to be heard for the growth of rugby and for all women working in sport .”

Bradbury, who joined Salford Rugby Club in October last year, also revealed she had not been paid for July.

According to Daily Maill (UK), Salford Red Devils have issued a statement confirming that they will conduct a thorough internal investigation into Bradbury's allegations and unequivocally condemn all forms of inappropriate language and behavior.

“Any criticism and suggestions of this nature are clearly offensive and unacceptable,” an RFL spokesman said.

The incident comes amid a serious financial crisis for Salford Red Devils, who were taken over by a consortium led by businessman Dario Berta at the start of the season.

However, the club's troubles continued both on and off the pitch, with delayed wage payments leading to a string of player departures and an impending liquidation over an unpaid tax bill of £500,000.

Salford Red Devils are currently bottom of the Super League table, with just two wins from 21 games.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he was monitoring the situation very closely, while RFL chief executive Tony Sutton admitted last week that Salford’s financial troubles could be damaging and crippling for the sport.

Despite the difficulties, Salford released a statement on Monday insisting the club would not close.