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Chelsea Football Club chief executive Peter Kenyon shocked the football world today when he announced he was quitting the job.
The Blues' boss is standing down after five and a half years. There was immediate speculation that he had been sidelined by owner Roman Abramovich.
No official reason was given for the departure but it comes a week after the club was given a two-year transfer ban by FIFA over the “child trafficking” of French teenage star Gaël Kakuta.
Although Chelsea insist his departure is amicable, rumours of a split began after former manager Felipe Scolari was fired in January while Kenyon was away.
The club said Kenyon — one of the most powerful
figures in English football — would no longer work full-time from 31 October but will continue in a nonexecutive role and also represent Chelsea on the sport's governing bodies in Europe.
Kenyon, who pledged to bring the loss-making club's finances under control by this season, was poached from Manchester United by Abramovich in 2003.
In a statement Kenyon said: “I intend to take a little time off before considering what I do next but I am certain I have at least one major challenge left in me.”
Reader views (8)
It may transpire just how lucky in the end Tottenham may have been to lose Arsenesen to Chelsea!
- Gm, Herts, UK
kenyon is man city bound...its a done deal...big announcement soon...
- Muzzi, london
Kenyon gone - what about Arnesen - he is the poison with in the club - Hiddink to come back in at a Director level either at the end of the season or next season - think all in all that its good news - no big drama - he arrived with a huge reputation but in real terms what did he actually achieve?
- Melly, Cartagena, Colombia
It's a shame to see Kenyon go. (The violins can be heard off stage) I guess that there is more to this balls up than meets the eye. Arnesen should have been the one sacked or sued as he created the mess that has lead to the 2 window transfer ban. As a Chelsea boy (raised in the borough) I hope that the Czar isn't lashing out at the wrong person(s) and whatever happens no one is bigger than the club. Except the Czar of Siberia and Stamford Bridge of course.
- Dj Strimmer, London
Looks like a rat leaving a sinking ship. First the transfer ban and now this. It's the beginning of the end for Chelsea, and not before time given their "greed is good" philosophy. RIP Chelsea.
- Nick, Battersea
A little bird tells me he is off to join Man City.
- Jon, Hillingdon
My guess is he quit before being 'sacked' over the recent child signings saga, no doubt a few more will 'quit' before to long.
- Mike, London England and once GREAT Britain
its amazing how we tend to lose all these guys working for chelsea. Am a fan but hey i can now see bruce buck following in the tracks. Abramovich wants all roles. its a real shame, my life is the same with my previous churches, i've been involved with.
- Ronaldo, london
