On Friday morning, Haslam Sports Group announced that Tim Bezbatchenko has been named President of Global Soccer, and will oversee all sporting elements for the Columbus Crew, Columbus NWSL 2028 and any future investments in domestic and global soccer.

Bezbatchenko is set to join following the conclusion of his contract as President of Black Knight Football Club.

The former President and General Manager of the Black & Gold holds over a decade of experience in global leadership roles, three MLS Cups (two with Columbus), an MLS Supporters shield, two Concacaf Champions Cup Finals appearances and three Canadian Championships.

“Tim’s leadership and dedication helped set the Crew’s path for success since Day 1 with Haslam Sports Group. We’re excited for him to create the foundation for Columbus NWSL 2028 to compete for championships while also supporting Issa Tall, Marc Nicholls and the entire Crew technical staff,” said Haslam Sports Group’s Dee and Jimmy Haslam.

“Tim benefitted from expanding his global experience with Black Knight Football over the past two years, and it’s truly special for him and his family to return home as we begin this next era of soccer in Columbus together.”

Bezbatchenko will report to the CEO and Chairman, Managing Partners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, and will join Mary Shepro as the first executives to set the direction of both the women’s and men’s teams in Columbus. Bezbatchenko was one of the first hires from HSG, when acquiring the rights for the Black & Gold in 2019.

“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, alongside their exceptional leaders, coaches, staff and players, as we look to compete for championships across both leagues,” Bezbatchenko said.

“This leadership group first inspired me to come back to Columbus in 2019, and they continue to be among the best ownership groups in all of sports with their ambition to compete for trophies and endless pursuit to unify communities through sport. It’s the perfect time for my family to return home, especially knowing firsthand their long-term investment in and commitment to advancing soccer in Central Ohio and across the country.

“I also want to thank Bill Foley, Ryan Caswell, everyone at Black Knight Football Club, AFC Bournemouth and our group of clubs for providing me the opportunity to work with multiple teams across Europe at the very highest level of the game. It was a unique opportunity where I developed both as a professional and as a person, and I am looking forward to taking what I have learned here and applying it within NWSL and MLS,” he added.