Ellis Departs San Diego Wave to Lead FIFA Football Strategy
Jill Ellis is stepping down as club President of the San Diego Wave FC to assume a new role as Chief of Football at FIFA. The Wave announced the news on Tuesday.
A New Chapter for Ellis and the Wave
Ellis’s departure comes at a time of transition for the San Diego Wave. The club has been navigating some challenges since last July, following the firing of former coach Casey Stone and allegations of a toxic work environment raised by a former employee. Ellis subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit in response.
“Under Jill’s leadership, the Wave set a standard of excellence as an expansion club in the NWSL. The new owners of the club are committed to building a culture of winning on and off the pitch,” said San Diego Wave FC Owner Lauren Leichtman. “As we approach the 2025 season and beyond, we will work to further elevate the Wave’s impact in San Diego, on the national stage, and as a globally recognized leader in women’s soccer. Additionally, we are excited to announce that we are in the final phase of identifying a new head coach on the heels of a global search. We look forward to sharing additional developments ahead of the 2025 NWSL season.”
A Global Stage Awaits
Ellis will be taking on a brand-new role at FIFA. She will serve as part of the world governing body’s executive management team, driving the development and implementation of FIFA’s global football strategy.
“Jill’s experience, enthusiasm and outstanding achievements make her the perfect choice for this role” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström. “She has been a true inspiration for many, and I look forward to seeing the impact of her work continue to inspire many more around the world. FIFA is very proud to have Jill and Arsène (Wenger), two of the great football leaders and thinkers, to help us make our vision for football a reality. Her appointment demonstrates FIFA’s commitment to the future of the game and to creating more opportunities for the next generation.”
Ellis leaves the San Diego Wave after three years as President. During her tenure, the club achieved significant milestones, becoming the first expansion side to make the playoffs in their inaugural season, winning the NWSL Shield in their second year, and clinching the NWSL Challenge Cup in their third.
“I want to extend a huge thank you to the staff and players of the Wave for their profound commitment to the club. I wish the club and the Leichtman-Levine family the very best for the future,” said Ellis. “I would also like to express my appreciation to the City of San Diego for embracing the Wave so warmly into the community.”
Former Wave coach Casey Stone took to X on Tuesday morning shortly after the Ellis announcement, simply stating, “Only in football.”
How will Jill Ellis’s global role at FIFA allow her to leverage her experience and make a significant impact on the future of women’s soccer?
## Ellis Departs San Diego Wave to Lead FIFA Football Strategy
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is [Alex Reed Name and Title], to discuss the recent news of Jill Ellis stepping down from her role as President of San Diego Wave FC to become FIFA’s Chief Football Officer. Alex Reed, can you walk us through the significance of this move for both Ellis and the San Diego Wave?
**Alex Reed:** This is a major development in the world of women’s soccer. Jill Ellis is a true icon, having led the US Women’s National Team to two World Cup victories. [[1](https://inside.fifa.com/media-releases/jill-ellis-joins-fifa-as-chief-football-officer)]
Her appointment as FIFA’s Chief Football Officer clearly demonstrates their commitment to developing and implementing a strong global strategy for the sport. For the San Diego Wave, this is obviously a loss. Ellis brought a wealth of experience and prestige to the club, helping them establish themselves as a competitive force in the NWSL. However, her departure also presents an opportunity for new leadership and a fresh direction.
**Interviewer:** As you mentioned, the San Diego Wave has been navigating some challenges lately, including the recent firing of coach Casey Stone and allegations of a toxic work environment. How might Ellis’s departure impact these ongoing issues?
**Alex Reed:** It’s certainly a delicate situation. Ellis’s strong leadership was instrumental in shaping the Wave’s identity. Her absence could create a void, especially as they work to rebuild trust and address these serious concerns. However, the Wave’s owners have pledged to build a winning culture both on and off the pitch.
They are actively searching for a new head coach and seem determined to move forward. It remains to be seen how these challenges will ultimately be resolved, but it’s important for the club to prioritize transparency and accountability in order to regain the support of its fans and the community.
**Interviewer:** What are your thoughts on the future of both Jill Ellis and the San Diego Wave?
**Alex Reed:** I believe this is a positive move for Jill Ellis. She has a unique opportunity to make a global impact on the sport she loves. For the San Diego Wave, it will be a time of transition and adaptation. They have a strong foundation to build upon, but they will need to carefully navigate the challenges ahead. I’m eager to see what the future holds for both.**