Jacob spent 11 years at Chelsea during a period of incredible success, which included winning the Women’s Super League seven times under Emma Hayes, who left last year to become USWNT manager.
He announced his exit from Stamford Bridge last week after what he described on Linkedin as the “most incredible experiences and memories of my life”. At WorldSevensFootball(W7F), he will work with clubs, federations and regulatory bodies as well as all areas of the competitions, including rules, officials and recruiting clubs.
The women’s seven-a-side tournament, launched last week, will offer “game-changing prize pool” for those taking part. The organisers say W7F will have eight clubs, leading players and a $5million (£3.8m) prize pot with the first event taking place in Portugal in May.
All games will be shown on DAZN, which also broadcasts UEFA Women’s Champions League matches. The seven-a-side format will be played across two 15-minute halves on a field half the size of an 11-a-side pitch.
Jennifer Mackesy, the minority owner of National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side NJ/NY Gotham and part of Todd Boehly’s Chelsea ownership group, is a co-founder of W7F.
Speaking about Jacob’s appointment, co-founderandCEOofW7F JustinFishkin said: “Aswebuildthisnewseriesofevents,Adrianwillplay amassiveroleinnotonlyputtingtheplayersatthecenterofeverythingwedobut providinghisinsightsandexperiencetoensureourgrowthandlong-termsuccess.”
Jacob said: “Itisa fantasticopportunitytomovewomen’sfootballforwardagain,andIcan’twaittoplay mypart.Whenthereissomuchtalkaboutinvestmentinthewomen’sgame,itisso excitingtobepartofthisteamthatfirmlybelieveswecanmakeadifferenceand drivechange.”
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Chelsea, UK Women's Football
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