Phil Rawlins leaves Stoke City to focus on the presidency of Orlando City (MLS)

Phil Rawlins resigned as director of Stoke City (Premier League) announced the club on 05/02/2014. In doing so, he sold his shares (approximately 10%) in Stoke Holdings, the ownership group of the club, and left his position on the board. Phil Rawlins has been director of Stoke City since March 2000. He will now fully occupy the presidency of the MLS (Major League Soccer) franchise Orlando City, of which he is also co-owner.

"My commitments in the States and the elevation of Orlando City to MLS unfortunately mean that I can no longer put the necessary time into my duties as a Stoke Director," said Phil Rawlins on 05/02/2014. Orlando City SC will participate in its first season in the MLS in 2015.

• Stoke Holdings is a company owned by Peter Coates, chairman of Stoke City, and his children Denise and John Coates.
  • the company repurchased approximately 90% of Stoke City in 1999.
  • in acquiring the shares of Phil Rawlins, the Coates family becomes 100% owner of the club.
• Orlando City became the 21^st MLS franchise on 19/11/2013. It will begin in the North American top professional…