Former U.S. Women’s National team head coach Jill Ellis has accepted a role as chief football officer with FIFA, the governing body announced Tuesday. Ellis will leave her position as president of the San Diego Wave. She has been with the Wave since the expansion side joined the NWSL in 2021.
The new FIFA role will allow Ellis to work alongside former colleague Arsène Wenger. Wenger is the chief of global football development for FIFA.
The move comes in a year in which Ellis was in the headlines with San Diego. In July, the Wave issued a denial after a former employee publicly accused the club president of abusive behavior. Later that month, Ellis sued the former employee for defamation after the allegations.
“The creation of the chief football officer position underscores FIFA’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and accessible global football community, ensuring that football remains a sport for all,” the governing body said in a statement.
“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 in a statement. “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.”