FIFA announces Women’s World Cup-winning coach Jill Ellis as new chief football officer
In a move aimed at increasing the number of women in leadership positions in the organisation, FIFA has appointed Jill Ellis to the new role of chief football officer.
The two-time Women’s World Cup-winning coach will drive the development and implementation of the governing body’s global football strategy.
Ellis stepped down as president of San Diego Wave FC in order to take up the post on FIFA’s executive management team.
Sports News Blitz writer Shameeka Voyiya reports on the breaking news.
Developing the global game
As part of her responsibilities, Ellis will work closely with former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, who is the current chief of global football development.
The two legendary managers do at least have a prior working relationship from the Kent native’s time leading FIFA’s technical advisory group for women’s football.
On the new role, a statement from the governing body said: “The creation of the chief football officer position underscores FIFA’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and accessible global football community, ensuring that football remains a sport for all.”
In particular, Ellis’ job is set to “encompass key technical areas connected to the development of the game across the world”.
A pioneer of women’s football
During an illustrious managerial career, Ellis led the USWNT to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, becoming the only coach to achieve the feat in the women’s game.
More recently, in 2022, she became the first president of expansion team San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
In a statement announcing Ellis’ departure, club owner Lauren Leichtman paid tribute to the inaugural president, saying: “Under Jill’s leadership, the Wave set a standard of excellence as an expansion club in the NWSL.”
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