Chelsea’s new board has commissioned an external review after a former employee died by suicide and several colleagues alleged they were bullied by a senior executive at the club.
Richard Bignell, the former head of Chelsea TV, died in January having been dismissed last September, one day after returning from medical leave. The coroner’s report said that he “was deeply troubled by anxiety, depression and despair following the loss of his job.”
An extensive report in the New York Times, quoting several current and past employees, alleges that staff have quit their roles because of a toxic environment presided over by an executive, whose management style “sometimes left colleagues in tears.”
A number of employees spoke of a toxic culture in which criticism of an employee would be made in front of other colleagues.
Departing chief executive Guy Laurence and chairman Bruce Buck had both received complaints of bullying from staff and a review into the accusations had been opened in March - but the executive in question was among those overseeing it.
In response to the allegations the club’s new owners say that they have “proactively reached out to” Mr Bignell’s family and an independent examination of the allegations is underway. The board, who were officially named last week, stressed that the alleged incidents took place under the previous stewardship and they are taking steps to change its workplace culture.
Chelsea were last month bought by a consortium fronted by US businessman Todd Boehly, who has installed himself as the new chairman, after previous owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government because of his ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
“The club’s new board believes strongly in a workplace environment and corporate culture that empowers its employees and ensures they feel safe, included, valued and trusted,” Chelsea’s statement said. “Initial steps have been taken by the new owners to instill an environment consistent with our values.
“Our heart goes out to Richard’s entire family. His passing has been deeply felt by his colleagues at the club and across the football community.
“The club has appointed an external review team to investigate the allegations that have been made under previous ownership. Upon learning about the circumstances, new ownership has proactively reached out to Richard’s family through their counsel.”
