 Grant is a former Israel coach |
Chelsea have appointed ex-Israel boss Avram Grant as director of football. He is a friend of Blues owner Roman Abramovich and will work closely with manager Jose Mourinho as well as head of youth development Frank Arnesen.
Grant, 51, who had been technical director at Portsmouth, will also sit on the football club board.
"Grant will be responsible for liaison on, and co-ordination of, football matters across the various areas of Chelsea," a club statement confirmed.
"He'll also sit on the board and report to chief executive Peter Kenyon."
Grant guided Israel to the brink of World Cup qualification in 2006, when the side finished unbeaten in their group but trailed France and Switzerland.
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When his contract with the national team ended in June 2006 the former Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Maccabi Haifa coach joined Pompey.
But Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp made it clear he would not stand in Grant's way when Chelsea showed initial interest in January.
Speculation over his move to Stamford Bridge reportedly sparked a row between Abramovich and Mourinho but any differences appear to have been resolved.
Grant will link up with Chelsea on their pre-season tour of America, which starts on Monday.
"His experience and knowledge will play an important role in the formulation of overall football policy," the statement continued.
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