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Former Crew general manager Tim Bezbatchenko is returning to Ohio as the president of global soccer for Haslam Sports Group.
In his new role, Bezbatchenko will oversee the “sporting elements” for the Crew, Columbus’ NWSL team, which is set to debut in 2028, and any “future investments in domestic and global soccer” for Haslam Sports Group.
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“It’s incredible to be part of launching an NWSL team and continuing to support the Crew after five-plus remarkable years with the club and as a lifelong fan. I’m honored and grateful that the Haslam, Johnson and Edwards families have trusted me with this opportunity,” Bezbatchenko said via a statement.
Former Columbus Crew president Tim Bezbatchenko speaks to fans as they celebrate their 2023 MLS Cup victory at Chase Plaza outside Lower.com Field in 2023.
A Westerville native, Bezbatchenko first joined the Crew in 2019 as president and general manager. During his five-plus years in Columbus’ front office, the Crew won two MLS Cup titles and reached their first CONCACAF Champions Cup final in 2024.
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Shortly after the Champions Cup final, Bezbatchenko left the Crew to become the president of Black Knight Football Club, where he oversaw multiple teams in Europe.
Bezbatchenko will officially return to Columbus once his contract with Black Knight is complete, and will report to Haslam Sports Group owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam. Issa Tall, Bezbatchenko’s successor at the Crew, is expected to remain as general manager.
bmackay@dispatch.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Tim Bezbatchenko named Haslam Sports Group president of global soccer
