Phil Rawlins, the Orlando City Soccer Club founder who brought professional soccer to Central Florida, is stepping down as the team’s president effective immediately, the club announced Tuesday.
Orlando City CEO Alex Leitao will assume the club’s day-to-day operations. Rawlins will stay with the team in a new role, Life President, serving as a consultant, an ambassador and will represent the club on all league boards, including MLS, the women’s NWSL and the second-tier USL.
“I’m here today to let you know of a personal decision I have taken,” Rawlins said in a video posted on Twitter.