Jon Patricof won't return as NYCFC president, will take club's board

Jon Patricof will not return as president of New York City FC after his contract expires at year's end, though he will join the club's board of directors, the club announced Thursday.

Patricof is nearing the conclusion of his third year as club president, during which NYCFC have reached the postseason three times.

Off the field, his tenure coincided with the building and opening of the Club’s Etihad City Football Academy Training Facility in Orangeburg, N.Y., as well as the expanding of supporter club engagement programs and philanthropic projects such as New York City Soccer Initiative.

“It has been an absolute honor to help develop New York City FC during this phase of its evolution and I want to thank all of my colleagues, the New York Yankees, our civic and commercial partners and of course, our fans for their incredible commitment to the Club’s development," Patricof said in a statement. "I also feel privileged to have been a part of Major League Soccer at such an exciting time for the sport. There is still much work to accomplish and I am excited to continue my involvement as a member of the board ... .”

As part of the announcement, the club indicated a search for Patricof's successor is already underway.