October 18, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Chicago Fire FC News Release
CHICAGO – Chicago Fire FC today announced a series of moves at the Club leadership level.
The Club has exercised the 2023 contract options for Sporting Director Georg Heitz and Technical Director Sebastian Pelzer. The 2023 season will mark Heitz and Pelzer’s fourth campaign in Chicago.
Additionally, Ishwara Glassman Chrein will move on from her position as President of Business Operations due to personal reasons. FC Lugano CEO Martin Blaser will serve as Interim President of Business Operations, overseeing the business functions of both organizations.
“I’m pleased that Georg and Sebastian will return in 2023,” said Owner and Chairman Joe Mansueto. “Going into next season, we feel that we have established a strong foundation with a new coaching staff, led by Ezra Hendrickson, and a core group of players to build around.”
Originally joining the Fire in December 2019, Heitz and Pelzer are responsible for overseeing the Club’s football operations.
During their first three seasons in Chicago, the Club has achieved several successes and milestones such as:
The transfers of Homegrown goalkeeper Gabriel “Gaga” Slonina and Polish international Przemysław Frankowski to top-five leagues. Slonina’s transfer included a Club-record, multi-million-dollar sale to Chelsea FC.
The youngest international player signing in MLS history – Colombian forward Jhon Durán – on Jan. 11, 2021. In 2022, his first season with the Club, the 18-year-old led the team in goals scored, tallying eight goals in 14 starts, including three multi-goal games.
The re-establishment of the Chicago Fire Football Academy as a focal point of the Club’s sporting strategy.
The signing of 10 Homegrown Players to first-team contracts.
Establishment of Chicago Fire FC II in MLS NEXT Pro, completing the professional pathway from the Club’s Academy to its first team.
The CFFC Academy winning the inaugural U-19 MLS NEXT Cup in July 2021, as well as the tournament’s Golden Ball (Sergio Oregel Jr.) and Golden Boot (Missael Rodríguez).
On the business side, Glassman Chrein departs the organization after expanding the Club’s front office relationships within Chicago’s corporate and civic communities during her tenure.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have been president of the Chicago Fire. I have loved my time at the Fire, and I’d like to thank Joe Mansueto, the staff, the players, the fans, the sponsors, and the city of Chicago for…
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