Chelsea dismiss commercial director after just two weeks over ‘inappropriate messages’

Chelsea have dismissed their commercial director Damian Willoughby after it was found that he had sent ‘inappropriate messages’ to a female football finance agent. 

The Blues appointed the sports marketing professional in September but they have now confirmed his departure after only two weeks on the job. 

It was Willoughby’s second spell at Stamford Bridge, having previously worked at the club between 2007 and 2010. 

He also held positions at Manchester City and video gaming giants EA Sports but didn’t last even a month into his new role. 

The Telegraph first reported the story that Catalina Kim made a complaint Willoughby sent her inappropriate messages before being named as the Blues’ commercial director. 

This led to his dismissal but Willoughby is yet to respond to a request for comment from the media. 

Todd Boehly completed the takeover of Chelsea from Russian Oligarch Roman Abramovich in May, and since then there have been several new appointments for different positions. 

One of the most significant appointments recently was the arrival of Graham Potter as the club’s new head coach following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel. 

The German boss led them to Champions League success in 2021 but failed to guide his side to a good start this season, despite being heavily backed in the summer transfer window. His contract was terminated after the Blues’ 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. 

Potter doesn’t have previous experience of managing an elite club but has done an excellent job at Brighton & Hove Albion, who finished ninth in the league last season under him.