Chelsea appoint Sonia Bompastor as new manager

Chelsea have appointed Sonia Bompastor as their new head coach on a four-year contract, the Women's Super League champions announced on Wednesday.

Bompastor will leave Olympique Lyonnais to replace Emma Hayes, who left Chelsea at the end of the season after nearly 12 years in charge to become the head coach of the United States Women's National Team.

Before retiring in 2013, Bompastor, 43, earned 156 caps for the French national team. In April 2021, she took over as Lyon's first-team coach.

In her first full season in charge, she led Lyon to a league and European double, making history as the first player and coach to win the UEFA Women's Champions League.

"I am incredibly grateful to join Chelsea Football Club as the head coach of the women's team. It is an institution in English football," Bompastor said.

"I hope to live up to Emma's legacy and continue the work that has been done in recent years. Let the adventure begin."

The club have also unveiled a restructuring and long-term strategic plan for its women's team. BDT & MSD Partners, an American global merchant bank, have partnered with Chelsea as financial advisors on a potential minority investment in the club.

SportsLigue