Former Executive Manager of Chelsea FC Women joins new global 7v7 women’s football series to lead all football operations
LONDON - 26 March 2025 - World Sevens Football (W7F) today announces the appointment of Adrian Jacob as Head of Football. W7F is a groundbreaking global 7v7 women’s football series set to host its first event in May 2025 in Portugal. Featuring an electrifying seven-a-side format, W7F promises fast-paced, high-scoring matches and a $5 million prize pool per event.
Jacob has been Chairman/Executive Manager at Chelsea FC Women for the last 11 years. During that time, he transitioned the team from a part-time club with 16 players training twice weekly to the most successful club in England, winning 17 trophies along the way, including the last 5 WSLs. In his leadership role, Jacob oversaw strategy and managed relationships with the major stakeholders, including the FA, UEFA, ECA, FIFA, and the league. He also served on the WSL Executive Committee as the representative of the WSL clubs.
“Adrian brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in professional soccer, having led Chelsea FC Women as Executive Manager, where he played a pivotal role in their success, including seven WSL championships, with five straight wins from 2020-2025 and numerous accolades and titles,” said Justin Fishkin, Co-Founder and CEO of W7F. “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 commented, “I am so excited to be a part of this incredible movement. 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.”
Anita Asante, former Chelsea and England footballer and coach, said, “I was really fortunate to get to know Adrian when I was at Chelsea, and I’m delighted to be on the same team again! Adrian has been an instrumental part of not only Chelsea’s success but also building a culture that prides itself on winning both on and off the pitch. He is a huge advocate for the players and someone who is always trying to push the boundaries for the women’s game. He has consistently invested his time and expertise in creating new opportunities that will continue to drive the growth of the women’s game, making a lasting impact on the sport.”
As Head of Football, he will oversee all aspects of sporting and competition operations, including rulemaking, officiating, and club recruitment. He will manage club relations, engage with regulatory bodies, federations, and confederations, and provide support for player prize payment strategies.
About Adrian Jacob
Adrian Jacob, 48, has been immersed in the world of finance and soccer for much of his life. Originally from Manchester, he moved to London 25 years ago and has successfully combined his passions for finance and soccer. Adrian's involvement with Chelsea FC Women began through a chance meeting with Emma Hayes, the team's manager, and quickly evolved into a significant role within the club.
Adrian's contributions to Chelsea FC Women include sponsorship, strategic planning, and operational management. His efforts have helped the team achieve numerous domestic titles and significantly grow the women's game.
Adrian lives in London with his wife and two daughters and maintains close ties with his community and the grassroots game. He is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in soccer and has been actively involved in campaigns to eradicate racism and antisemitism from the sport.
BOILERPLATE
About World Sevens Football
World Sevens Football (W7F) is a groundbreaking global 7v7 women’s football series set to host its first event in May 2025 in Portugal. Featuring an electrifying seven-a-side format, W7F promises fast-paced, high-scoring matches and a $5 million prize pool per event. With the contribution of a distinguished Player Advisory Council, including former national players Tobin Heath, Anita Asante, Kelley O’Hara, Laura Georges, and Caroline Seger, W7F aims to drive innovation and elevate the women's game. Partnering with DAZN for global broadcasting, production, and marketing, W7F is poised to become a transformative force in women's football, offering unparalleled opportunities for players and clubs.
ENDS.
CONTACT: media@worldsevens.com
