sport news Chelsea sack senior executive Damian Willoughby after claims of sexual ... trends now

Chelsea have sacked their commercial director less than a month after employing him after it emerged that he had sent 'inappropriate messages' before he joined the club.

The west London side confirmed that they had terminated the contract of Damian Willoughby 'with immediate effect' after they were made aware of the content of the messages.

Willoughby was in his second spell at Stamford Bridge having also worked for Manchester City and EA Sports. He took a key role, with Chelsea's new US owners looking to maximise off-the-field revenue.

However, Willoughby has now departed after less than four weeks with the club. A Chelsea statement read: 'Chelsea Football Club confirms that it has terminated commercial director Damian Willoughby's employment with immediate effect.

'Evidence of inappropriate messages sent by Mr Willoughby, prior to his appointment at Chelsea FC earlier this month, has recently been provided to and investigated by the club. 

'While they were sent prior to his employment at the club, such behaviour runs absolutely counter to the workplace environment and corporate culture being established by the club's new ownership.

'The club's owners are working tirelessly to set and achieve the highest standards both on and off the pitch, and are determined to establish and nurture a culture of transparency, accountability, inclusivity, diversity and opportunity. 

'The club is committed to creating an environment which embodies these values.'

Kim is said to have made a complaint to the Blues president of business Tom Glick, who hired Willoughby, to claim that she had been sexually harassed before his employment by the club and alleges she felt threatened over the telephone.

Kim held talks with Glick, who became the

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