According to the League Managers Association Alex McLeish quit Birmingham because his position was being undermined by the Blues board. In particular he was not consulted properly over transfers or the sacking of his chief scout, according to LMA chief executive Richard Bevan.
Birmingham acting chairman Peter Pannu has said he will seek compensation if McLeish moves to Aston Villa.
Bevan told Press Association Sport: "Alex decided he had to resign as there had been serious issues for some time between him and the board at Birmingham.
"The LMA recognise it is often very difficult for clubs and chairmen, especially with the financial pressures and 24/7 media coverage. However, it is very disappointing that some clubs don't follow normal principles of employment law - which can undermine the game, the club and even the community the club is based in.
"Mr Pannu, a senior member of the board, has put into the public domain confidential information contained in Alex's contract. This is without doubt a breach of confidence.
"It is disappointing that Alex appears to have been criticised for sending his formal resignation letter by e-mail, particularly given that one of the issues Alex resigned over was Mr Pannu's sacking of Alex's chief scout, who learned that he was to be dismissed when he was copied in on an e-mail from Mr Pannu to one of the club's officials.
"There were other issues as well, including not being properly consulted on player transfers, and making a number of aggressive and seriously undermining communications, which ultimately made his position untenable."
