Former Chelsea Women executive manager Adrian Jacob has been appointed as head of football with the new global women’s seven-a-side tournament.
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 World Sevens Football (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-founder and CEO of W7F Justin Fishkin said: “As we build this new series of events, Adrian will play a massive role in not only putting the players at the center of everything we do but providing his insights and experience to ensure our growth and long-term success.”
Jacob said: “It is a fantastic opportunity to move women’s football forward again, and I can’t wait to play my part. When there is so much talk about investment in the women’s game, it is so exciting to be part of this team that firmly believes we can make a difference and drive change.”
(Top photo: Harriet Lander – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
