Southampton FC make changes following relegation
We're told these are the first of many changes
Last updated 22nd May 2023
The owner of Southampton football club has announced several changes following their relegation from the Premier League.
Martin Semmens has left his role as CEO and Director with immediate effect.
It means Sport Republic takes full operational control with Henrik Kraft staying on as chairman and will be Interim CEO until a new appointment is made.
In a statement, Sport Republic said: "After the huge disappointment of relegation from the Premier League of Southampton FC, majority owner Sport Republic has made several organisational changes in preparation for next season.
"Martin Semmens has left his role as CEO and Director of Southampton Football Club and Director of St Mary’s Football Group. Martin joined the Board of Directors of Southampton FC in 2017 and was appointed CEO in 2019.
"We would like to thank Martin for his hard work and dedication and wish him the best for the future.
"Sport Republic is taking full operational control of Southampton Football Club with immediate effect.
"Dragan Å olak has been appointed Chairman of Sport Republic and will play an active role in overseeing the activities of the Group and supporting the leadership of the club.
"Rasmus Ankersen will continue as CEO of Sport Republic, overseeing football strategy.
"Henrik Kraft will continue as the Chairman of the club and will act as Interim CEO pending the appointment of a new CEO.
"In addition, we are strengthening our Board of Directors with the appointment of Andy Young as our first independent Director. Andy was previously the Chief Financial Officer of City Football Group, the private owner and operator of some of the world’s top football clubs.
"Andy will chair our Audit Committee and brings huge experience of operating at the highest level of the football industry.
"The new composition of the Board of Directors of St Mary’s Football Group and Southampton FC is as follows:
• Henrik Kraft (Chairman of the Board)
• Rasmus Ankersen
• Dragan Šolak
• Rolf Bögli (appointed by minority shareholder Katharina Liebherr)
• Toby Steele (will serve until his departure later in the year)
• Andy Young
"These are the first of many changes that we will be making to ensure the success of the club.
"Our incoming Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, will lead a review of the football department and we will announce the club’s leadership team for next season in the coming weeks.
"By taking these steps now, we are laying the groundwork for our goal of returning Southampton FC to the Premier League as soon as possible.
"We take this opportunity to reiterate our unwavering commitment to Southampton FC and to thank the club’s fans for their dedicated support. "