11th February 2026
September 11 – Chelsea have confirmed the departure of Head of Women’s Football Paul Green, after a 13-year tenure that helped shape the Blues into the dominant force of women’s football in England.
Green’s exit comes with little warning, landing in the same window as on-field turbulence and major decisions elsewhere at the club. Green has been a central figure in the rise of Chelsea’s women’s team, most notably in appointing Emma Hayes and overseeing her 12-year reign.
Under Green’s influence, Chelsea lifted 19 major honours, including eight league titles and six FA Cups.
In a brief statement, the club acknowledged his role, saying: “His commitment, experience, and professionalism have been valued across the club, and his work has helped support a sustained period of success.”
Form on the pitch has hit a recent speed bump, though, as they have suffered their first back-to-back defeats in years. Manchester City smashed the Blues 5-1, and another loss followed at the hands of local North London rivals, Arsenal.
Only a few days ago, Chelsea moved to secure head coach Sonia Bompastor on a new, longer contract through to 2030, despite her previous deal running until 2028. Sporting Directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley were emphatic in their backing. “Her impact has been immediate and significant, and the standards she sets embody exactly what we want this club to represent,” they said. “Sonia is not only a key part of driving our success today, but also an integral part of the long-term future we are building.”
Sources indicate changes were already in motion before Bompastor put pen to paper, with the club weighing an alternative direction at the executive level. Green’s departure may be framed as the end of a cycle, but its abrupt nature suggests Chelsea are moving faster than at any point in their recent history.
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