Gazidis to join Arsenal

Major League Soccer Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis will become Chief Executive Officer at Arsenal in January 2009.

Gazidis has been responsible for all aspects of competition and player contracts in the MLS.

“Ivan Gazidis was one of the founding executives of Major League Soccer. His 14 years of service to the League and the sport of soccer in America have helped establish Major League Soccer as a legitimate first division sports league in North America and a respected soccer league throughout the world,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said.

“Major League Soccer’s on-field product has marched steadily forward, primarily due to Ivan’s thorough understanding of the game and its global market, his impressive reasoning and judgment, and his deep-rooted desire to see soccer grow in North America.

“That Arsenal, one of the most distinguished sports organizations in the world, has chosen Ivan to lead its club speaks volumes about his abilities and the international respect for MLS that he has helped establish. We have countless reasons to thank Ivan for his pioneering efforts and we wish him all the best in his new endeavor.”

[Source: MLSnet.com]