Premier League: resignation of Nicola Cortese, chairman of Southampton FC

Nicola Cortese has resigned from his position as chairman of Southampton FC (Premier League, ANG) the club announced, on the 15/01/2014. Katharina Liebherr, owner of the club, becomes non-executive chairman. "With great regret we have accepted the resignation of Mr Cortese, she said on the 15/01/14. He has done a wonderful job and we very much wanted him to stay. A search has now begun for a successor."

Southampton had been relegated in League One (3^rd British Division) for financial difficulties in April 2009. The club was then acquired by Swiss businessman Markus Liebherr, on the 08/07/2009. He then appointed Nicola Cortese as executive chairman of the club in August 2009. Southampton FC have been back in the Premier League since the 2012-13 season.

• Markus Liebherr died one year after the purchase of the club, on the 10/08/2010. His daughter Katharina Liebherr succeeded him and became the owner of the club.