Celtic Chairman To Step Down After Abuse And Threats

Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell will step down from the board of Celtic plc on December 31, 2025, the club has announced, bringing to an end more than two decades in senior leadership roles at Parkhead.

The 65-year-old, who returned as non-executive chairman in 2023 after serving 18 years as chief executive, said his decision was driven by an escalation in abuse and threats which had affected his family.

Current non-executive director Brian Wilson will assume the role of interim chairman from January 1, 2026, while the club undertakes a process to appoint a permanent successor.

In a statement, Lawwell said it was “with sadness” that he was leaving a club he has supported all his life, but added that the situation had become “intolerable”.

“Abuse and threats from some sources have increased and are now intolerable. They have dismayed and alarmed my family,” he said. “At this stage in my life, I don’t need this. I cannot accept this and so I leave the Club I have loved all my life.”

Lawwell reflected on a period of sustained success during his time at Celtic, citing domestic dominance, regular participation in European group-stage football and the growth of the Celtic FC Foundation. He described his years at the club as a privilege and thanked colleagues, players and coaches for delivering what he called “remarkable and historic success”.

Principal shareholder and non-executive director Dermot Desmond paid tribute to Lawwell’s impact, describing him as “the driving force of the Club” during a period that included 38 league or cup triumphs.

Desmond highlighted Lawwell’s role in strengthening Celtic’s infrastructure and finances, including the development of the Lennoxtown training centre, new facilities at Barrowfield and upgrades to Celtic Park.

“Celtic is in a strong position to withstand whatever the future may throw at us,” Desmond said, adding that Lawwell’s influence extended beyond Scotland through his involvement in European football governance.

Chief executive Michael Nicholson described Lawwell’s departure as “a sad day for Celtic” and strongly condemned the abuse directed towards him.

“The abuse and threats directed towards Peter, and the impact on his family, are completely unacceptable. Such conduct will never be tolerated by the Club,” Nicholson said.

He praised Lawwell as a lifelong supporter who “gave everything to the Club”, adding that his contribution over the past 21 years would always be valued.

Nicholson also confirmed that Wilson will take on the role of interim chairman from the start of 2026, thanking him for agreeing to lead the board during the transition period.

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