Ivan Gazidis, legendary MLS executive, diagnosed with throat cancer
Ivan Gazidis cancer diagnosis.
Former MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis, now CEO of AC Milan, has been diagnosed with throat cancer. It is expected that Gazidis will make a full recovery.
Gazidis, who has deep roots in MLS as one of the founding executives in the league, has been with powerhouse AC Milan since late in 2018. Prior to that, he was the chief executive of English Premier League side Arsenal and was influential in getting the giant club to play in the MLS All-Star Game in 2016.
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The statement from Ivan Gazidis was upbeat and positive:
“Of course, there is never a good time for a diagnosis of cancer. But I have a very curable form of cancer and a positive diagnosis. I have world class medical expertise, and the support of so many loved ones and everyone at the Club, and I am confident based on all advice that the cancer will be treated successfully, with a full recovery. My diagnosis demonstrates the importance of regular medical check ups, even if you don’t have symptoms. I would encourage everyone to prioritise their health and to make sure, even in the day to day obligations of life and work, that they have their regular medical checkups. We have a strong team, both on and off the pitch and I have full faith in their ability to drive our Club forward over the coming weeks. See you soon and always Forza Milan.”
Gazidis is 56-years old.
Ivan Gazidis – influential in MLS
For those new to MLS, Ivan Gazidis was one of the major reasons why the league exists and is growing by leaps and bounds today.
In 1994, Gazidis was one of the first hires of MLS, coming to the fledgling league before the World Cup kicked off that summer. Over the next two years, he played a massive role in getting MLS off the ground, partnering with Sunil Gulati to and the leagues first commissioner, Doug Logan, to do everything from recruit owners to sign players and work out a myriad of logistical nightmares along the way.
Ivan Gazidis’ place in American soccer remains legendary as his move from MLS to prominent roles for sides consistently in the Champions League such as Arsenal and AC Milan is a standard of commitment and excellence for the league’s other executives.