The Columbus Crew promoted Issa Tall to general manager on Thursday.
He replaces president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko, who resigned to become president of the Black Knight Football Club, the parent organization of prominent European clubs.
Tall is in his sixth season with the Crew, hired in 2019 as assistant general manager of player personnel and strategy. A native of France, he previously worked with Toronto FC’s player personnel and scouting department (2014-15) following a year in the player competition department at MLS. At the FIFA headquarters in Zurich (2016-19), he worked in the department that organized the World Cup and other FIFA competitions.
The Crew (6-2-6, 24 points) are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. They’ve won three MLS Cups, most recently in 2020 and 2023, along with the 2021 Campeones Cup. In 2024, the Crew reached their first Concacaf Champions Cup final.
“While I’m excited about this opportunity for many reasons, the vision, culture and commitment to excellence we share is at the top of the list,” Tall said. “Everyone is dedicated to improving and being their best for our team, city and supporters.”
As for Bezbatchenko, he was chief soccer officer since Dee and Jimmy Haslam acquired the Crew on Jan. 1, 2019.
At Black Knight Football Club, work with the English Premier League’s A.F.C. Bournemouth, Scottish Premiership’s Hibernian FC and French Ligue 1’s FC Lorient will be among his responsibilities.
“The past five-plus years with the Crew have been nothing short of remarkable,” Bezbatchenko said. “It was truly special to help launch a new era for the Club with an exciting brand of soccer and the ambition to win trophies for our city and supporters who have long stood by this team. Along the way, I have been fortunate to work alongside so many great leaders, coaches, technical and support staff and players.”
“While I am excited about pursuing this next endeavor with Black Knight Football, I will always be thankful for the time and memories together with the Crew community,” he continued.
–Field Level Media
