The Haslam Sports Group announced Bezbatchenko will be the organization’s president of global soccer.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Columbus Crew general manager Tim Bezbatchenko is returning to Ohio for a new position.
The Haslam Sports Group, which owns the Crew and the National Women’s Soccer League team that is coming to Columbus in 2028, announced Bezbatchenko will be the organization’s president of global soccer. The role will also oversee HSG’s future investments in domestic and global soccer.
Bezbatchenko left the Crew in June 2024 to take a job with Black Knight Football, a consortium of European clubs. He will finish out his contract before beginning his new role.
Bezbatchenko, a Westerville native, became president and general manager of the Crew in January 2019. He was one of HSG’s first hires when the organization acquired the Crew.
“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 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 won two MLS Cups with the Crew in 2020 and 2023. He said he’s honored to return to Columbus to help launch the NWSL team.
“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,” Bezbatchenko said.
Bezbatchenko joined Columbus in 2019 after serving as senior vice president of soccer operations and general manager for Toronto FC from 2013 to 2018. He was also the senior director of player relations and competition for MLS from 2010 to 2013.
The club promoted current GM Issa Tall to replace Bezbatchenko.
The Crew are currently toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 3-4-7 record.
