The sports director will depart from the club, despite holding a contract through 2024 for strictly personal reasons.
Antonio Cordón has announced his departure to assume the role of sporting director at Real Betis Balompié. He spoke in the club’s official media channels to explain the motives behind his exit from the Verdiblanca organization.
The club confirmed on Monday, February 20 that the change is effective immediately. “Real Betis Balompié expresses its deep gratitude to Antonio Cordón for his contributions and the successes achieved, and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors,” the club stated. Cordón bid farewell in a letter:
“As you know, a few weeks ago I told the Club that I would end this cycle, unforgettable for me, based on professional criteria, without knowing what the future holds. What I do know is what I was told: the Betis green-and-white stripes symbolize humility, joy, nobility, passion, tears, resolve, boundless feeling, and loyal supporters. And they went far beyond that. During these 33 months I learned that nothing and no one is more important than Real Betis Balompié.”
He described the awakening of the Giant while living in Seville, engaging with fans on the streets, and hearing cheers that said, “on Sunday you have to win, Don Antonio.” He expressed gratitude for the encouragement and passion he encountered from fans throughout his tenure.
Cordón recalled the Copa del Rey celebration, walking with his family among the people and waiting for the players to pass by on the bus along Avenida de la Palmera, sharing in the joy and laughter with Betis supporters of all ages. He thanked the players, the entire coaching staff, and the “team of the team” for stabilizing the club through their work, commitment, and values, building a remarkable squad that helped Betis rise again. He emphasized that living each day with passion, nurturing mutual respect, and moving forward with determination were lessons learned from the group. He carried them in his heart and regarded them as the best. He also praised the guidance he received from the best engineer around.
To the colleagues in the sports directorate, the football department, the offices, and the outside staff, Cordón expressed gratitude for being welcomed as a fellow contributor. He commended their excellence, dedication, and warmth, noting that their presence made the cycle possible.
He also thanked the Real Betis Balompié board members, especially President Ángel Haro and Vice President José Miguel López Catalán, for the chance to contribute to this period of success. He extended thanks to the Sevillian media for their respectful treatment during the cycle, noting that constructive criticism helped him grow. Wherever he finds himself next, he vowed to remain closely connected to the Betis family and to celebrate the club’s achievements with them. “Long live Betis!” he proclaimed with affection for the club and its supporters.
Why Antonio Cordón leaves and is no longer sports director of Betis
“It was a well-considered decision made with the family. It reflects a personal concern I shared with the club at the time. There was no dispute with anyone on the board, with the coach, or with the players. The aim was to maintain naturalness, simplicity, humility, and discretion. I have always been discreet. I am sad because yesterday I appeared in many papers, and I am not one to chase front pages or notoriety. These are natural life developments. The cycle has ended, I handed it over, and talks are underway about the next steps,” he explained on RTV Betis.
Asked whether he felt he had achieved his goals, he replied, “Betis stands above all. My impact at Betis was modest in comparison to the club’s greatness. I contributed my share, and I am very proud of what we accomplished. I promised to wake the giant, and with everyone’s help, we did. It has been a very good goal.”
To the fans, he said, “The Betis faithful are the heart of this club. They are remarkable, and I get goosebumps when I speak of them because they deserve the best; Betis must continue to grow. I have felt their warmth on the streets and will carry that with me for life.”
He affirmed that there is no bad relationship with the club. “Anyone who knows me knows my dealings with everyone have always been positive. There have been open, friendly conversations as we worked to awaken the giant, and we achieved progress together. The most important thing for Betis is its fans, and I hope they are pleased with three years and remember me fondly. They treated me well, and I consider them sovereign, incredible. Then, of course, the rest, from staff to managers or players.”
Pellegrini’s future at the club remains secure: “He is a professional at the highest level. He has more years on his contract, and I hope the Betis fans enjoy the time they have left. Manuel knew, he knows. It is a shame, perhaps, but it will be resolved quickly because they have worked together for many years and understand each other perfectly. I did everything daily to maintain the balance and discipline we had. Cordón’s contract ran until 2024, but he will not fully honor it, having joined Betis in the summer of 2020 alongside Manuel Pellegrini, a coach with whom he had previously collaborated at Villarreal during a particularly successful period for both. Since his arrival, Betis has qualified for the UEFA Europa League in two consecutive seasons and ended a 17-year trophy drought with the 2022 Copa del Rey victory.
As GOAL has learned, Betis is already exploring options to appoint a replacement who can assume the duties of sports director.
End of coverage. The details reflect the club’s internal review and public statements regarding the leadership transition around Antonio Cordón.