Soccer-Chelsea sack commercial director Willoughby over 'inappropriate messages'

Soccer Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Leicester City - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - May 19, 2022 a Chelsea flag is pictured inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Toby Melville/Files

(Reuters) - Chelsea said they have terminated commercial director Damian Willoughby's employment with immediate effect after receiving evidence he had sent "inappropriate messages" before being appointed by the Premier League side.

Willoughby began working at Chelsea earlier this month following the club's takeover by an investment group led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.