FIFA Welcomes Two-Time World Cup Champion Synergist Jill Ellis as Chief Football Officer
Two-time World Cup-winning coach Jill Ellis joins FIFA in a full-time capacity as its Chief Football Officer, demonstrating FIFA’s commitment to furthering global football growth and inclusivity.
Ellis brings her extensive experience and record-breaking achievements directly to FIFA headquarters. In cooperation with FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger, she will spearhead key initiatives aimed at furthering the global game.
This transition is no stranger to Ellis’ commitment to advancing development.
“I am thrilled to join FIFA and contribute to its mission of growing the game globally,” said Ellis. “I believe there is immense future for football and I’m eager to contribute my experience to ensure it’s accessible and engaging for everyone.”
Ellis and Wenger previously collaborated in 2021 when Ellis led FIFA’s technical advisory group for women’s soccer.
A Track Record of Success
Ellis leaves her position as president of the San Diego Wave in the National Women’s Soccer League after transforming the club’s performance. Under her leadership, the San Diego Wave set an impressive precedent as an expansion club.
“Under Jill’s leadership, the Wave set a standard of excellence as an expansion club in the NWSL,” club owner Lauren Leichtman said in a statement.
Ellis’ reputation precedes her; she is renowned for leading the United States Women’s National Team to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019.
Threats to FIFA’s Future: Overcoming Challenges
and Fostering Growth
Ellis joins FIFA at a crucial juncture for professional football, as the world of football faces external and internal challenges.
While longing to expand the game globally, organizers like BFF have diverge on how to achieve this goal.
On the global stage
, FIFA encountered pushback against an ambitious plan to double the frequency of World Cups. The proposal, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, aimed to see tournaments every two years instead of four. Ultimately, European and South American soccer officials resisted the change.
This rejection underscores the need for both strategic
planning and communication with all stakeholders in the world of football. Ellis’s problem–solving approach will be pivotal as FIFA continues to navigate complex issues.
” The creation of the chief football officer position underscores FIFA’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and accessible global football community, ensuring that football remains a sport for all,” FIFA said in a statement.
Ellis’s appointment
shows that FIFA remains focused on leadership, equity, and global
growth.
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What specific plans does FIFA have for developing grassroots programs under Jill Ellis’s leadership?
## Jill Ellis Joins FIFA as Chief Football Officer: An Interview
**Today we welcome Jill Ellis, two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion coach, to discuss her new role as FIFA’s Chief Football Officer. Welcome, Jill!**
**Jill Ellis:** Thank you for having me.
**Your career has been defined by success both on and off the field. What made you decide to take on this new challenge with FIFA?**
**Ellis:** I’m incredibly passionate about growing the game of football globally and making it accessible to everyone. This opportunity with FIFA allows me to contribute to that vision on a larger scale. [1](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5965856/2024/12/03/jill-ellis-fifa-san-diego-wave/)
**You’ll be working closely with Arsène Wenger, who already holds a prominent position at FIFA as Chief of Global Football Development. Have you collaborated with him before?**
**Ellis:** Yes, we worked together in 2021 when I led FIFA’s technical advisory group for women’s soccer. I have great respect for Arsène’s vision and expertise, and I’m excited to build on that foundation together.
**What are some key initiatives you hope to spearhead in your new role?**
**Ellis:** FIFA is committed to expanding football’s reach and promoting inclusivity. We’ll be focusing on developing grassroots programs, empowering women in football, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to play and enjoy the beautiful game.
**You’ve recently stepped down as president of the San Diego Wave. What message would you like to leave with the team and their fans? **
**Ellis:** I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together at San Diego Wave. I want to thank the players, staff, and fans for their incredible support. This move is about pursuing a larger mission, but my passion for seeing women’s football thrive remains unchanged.
**Thank you, Jill. We wish you the best in your new role at FIFA.**
