Chelsea fires commercial director for sending "inappropriate messages"

The Chelsea announced on Wednesday the dismissal of its commercial director, Damian Willoughby, for sending "inappropriate messages", to financial agent Catalina Kim, who was involved in one of the proposals to buy the club.

Kim was one of the visible faces of billionaire Nick Candy's project to buy the London club when Roman Abramovich put it up for sale last March.

Willoughby, who worked for Chelsea between 2007 and 2010 and who has also held positions at Manchester City and video game company EA Sports, returned to the London club less than a month ago.

However, after Chelsea discovered his behavior with Kim it has decided to terminate the contract with the executive.

"Chelsea confirms that it has ended its relationship with commercial director Damian Willoughby with immediate effect. Evidence that he had sent inappropriate messages, before his hiring earlier this month, has been investigated by the club," said Chelsea in a statement.

"Although these messages took place before he was employed by the club, this kind of behavior goes completely against the working environment and the corporate culture established in Chelsea by its new owners," added the Stamford Bridge club.

According to The Telegraph, Kim presented these messages to Chelsea's Chief Operating Officer, Tim Glick, who hired Willoughby.

ZZM