Lee Murray has resigned as East Fife chairman.
The Levenmouth businessman has attempted to bring new investors into the Methil club, but has claimed that after the majority shareholders would not sell their stake, he felt there was no other option but to walk away.
Murray has written an open letter to fans of the League Two club to explain the reasons for his departure.
It reads: “This morning I am resigning my position as Chairman of East Fife FC.
“When I joined the club just over a year ago, I was told I would be able to take the club forward in a direction which I thought was a vision shared by all of the shareholders and you, the supporters.
“Our ultimate ambition was to put East Fife at the heart of the community and achieve top flight football within 10 years. However, it became apparent that the majority shareholders did not share this same vision and we had been in negotiations for a number of months to resolve this issue.
“I had brought a team of individuals to the table who were willing to invest significant sums, time and energy into the club. However, the current owners were unwilling to sell their stake.
“When we proposed other solutions, the majority shareholders continually stalled on negotiations and refused to commit any funds to the club a position which makes it almost impossible to bring in money from other sources which undermines our ability to take East Fife and the community forward.
“In the last week, the majority shareholders have taken what I see as a step backwards. This has made our position untenable and we are absolutely devastated it has come to this.
“I very much appreciate the fantastic support the fans, directors and wider community have given me and I will never forget my time as chairman it has been truly life changing.
“I will always be an East Fife supporter and wish East Fife FC the very best of luck in the future.”