Chelsea sanction massive departure as 'unpopular' figure with fans leaves club after just one year

A senior figure at Chelsea has left the club after becoming increasingly unpopular with staff and supporters.

Chelsea were extremely busy over the summer transfer window as new manager Enzo Maresca brutally cut several players from the squad.

And now the club's ruthless overhaul has extended to the club's staff, including a member of the senior management who has been removed from his permanent position at Chelsea.

It has now been announced that chief executive Chris Jurasek will no longer work for the Blues after a significant re-shuffle of the business side of the club.

A new management committee has formed to deal with the club's commercial dealings, and, instead of Jurasek, chief operating officer Jason Gannon has been picked to lead it.

Writing in a statement after the news was confirmed, Jurasek said: "I am incredibly proud to have led this historic football club into its next chapter. We have accomplished the task of building a team both on and off the pitch that means the club is well-positioned for long-term success.

“I have complete confidence in Jason and the executive leadership team that was built and am thankful to have played a part in its establishment.”

Telegraph Sport have reported that the American has already stopped all work at the club, but will be available to give advice despite not keeping a permanent position.

American investor Todd Boehly completed the takeover Chelsea in May 2022. (Image: Getty)

A statement from Todd Boehly and Chelsea co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Jose E Feliciano read: “We would like to express our gratitude to Chris for taking on this role. He is an outstanding executive, a fact that is underlined by the talented leadership team formed during his tenure.”

Jurasek's departure from Chelsea comes just one year after he was appointed chief executive, but it is said that it was always planned that he would leave within two years of a business leadership team had been established.

But some fans may be happy to see Jurasek leave the club, after some of the decisions he made while at the club came under fire from fan groups such as the decision to remove the coach subsidy for away travel.