After acquiring proof that commercial director Damian Willoughby had exchanged “inappropriate texts” before joining the club, Chelsea terminated his job with immediate effect.
This month, Willoughby began working at Chelsea following the investor group led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s acquisition of the club.
“The club has now been provided with evidence of improper texts sent by Mr. Willoughby previous to his position at Chelsea FC earlier this month,” a club official said. “Although they were sent before to his employment at the club, such conduct runs opposite to the work environment and corporate culture that the club’s new ownership is establishing.”
Willoughby has not yet responded to Reuters’ request for comment.
The Telegraph, which broke the story, stated that Willoughby had been sending the texts to a football financing agent since last year. According to the story, Willoughby’s attorneys declined to comment.
