Celtic PLC today notified the London Stock Exchange that Peter Lawwell is to step down from the board of Celtic PLC where he is currently the non-executive Chairman. His time at Celtic ends on 31 December 2025 and his place on an interim basis will be taken by fellow non-executive director Brian Wilson…
The club has also posted a longer notice on the official Celtic FC website concerning the announcement of Peter Lawwel’s retirement after being involved in club’s executive and boardroom for over two decades. Here’s the breaking news directly from the official site.
Lawwell leaves by taking another pop at the Celtic support with claims that he and his family have been receiving threats, which should be condemned if true but many will be sceptical with Lawwell’s departure already widely anticipated.
🗣️ "Abuse and threats from some sources have increased and are now intolerable"
Reaction from Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell who is stepping down with "sadness" following recent abuse, plus the thoughts of principal shareholder Dermot Desmond and CEO Michael Nicholson ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/at7SE0dZWH
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 17, 2025
Peter Lawwell to stand down as Chairman
Celtic Football Club today announced that non-executive Chairman Peter Lawwell has decided to step down from the Board of Celtic plc with effect from December 31, 2025.
Current Celtic non-executive director Brian Wilson will take up the role of interim Chairman from that point, until a permanent appointment is made.
Peter joined the Club as Chief Executive in 2003 and served the Club for 18 years in this role. Peter returned to the Club in a different role in 2023, as non-executive Chairman, overseeing Board affairs.
Peter Lawwell said: “It is with sadness that I announce my decision to stand down as Chairman of Celtic FC.
“I believe that my 18 years as Chief Executive and three years as Chairman at the Club have shown my ability to meet and overcome challenges on many fronts, but abuse and threats from some sources have increased and are now intolerable.
“They have dismayed and alarmed my family. 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.
“The motivations and aims of these detractors can be investigated by others. I prefer to look back on my career at Celtic with deep gratitude and satisfaction.
“My time at the Club has brought joy to someone whose memories as a Celtic fan include standing as a schoolboy on the terraces as the European Cup was paraded at Celtic Park on that magical night in 1967.
“I have subsequently watched some great European nights at Paradise and am proud that the Club has played group-stage football in all but two of the last 21 years while also enjoying domestic dominance.
“I also take great pleasure in the continuing and ever more substantial impact of Celtic FC Foundation. The Club’s Foundation impacts so many lives in the Celtic Family and far beyond. We are more than a football club and the Foundation is the most obvious evidence of this truth.
“Our achievements were all made possible by a dedicated workforce and a fervent support binding together. I am deeply proud and privileged to have been part of that.
“My life at the Club has included dramatic ups and downs in football but they have also given me the experience, drive and desire which I will take on to my next project, whatever and wherever that may be.
“My thanks go to my many colleagues over the years who have supported me, and I am grateful to the coaches and players who delivered this era of remarkable and historic success.”
Celtic’s non-executive director and principal shareholder Dermot Desmond added: “I am personally very sorry to lose Peter as our Chairman, but I understand and respect his decision, in light of recent events and what he has endured.
“I want to pay tribute to Peter for all he has given Celtic over so many years. As Chief Executive, Peter was the driving force of the Club, and in his later role as Chairman he oversaw board affairs.
“Peter has witnessed 38 cup or title triumphs in his time at the Club, a period of extraordinary domestic dominance for us as we have also competed in European football.
“Peter has also overseen the building of our training centre at Lennoxtown, the creation of the new facility at Barrowfield and the upgrading of Celtic Park, all of which were underpinned by the financial stability which has become the cornerstone of the Club under his leadership. Celtic is in a strong position to withstand whatever the future may throw at us.
“During Peter’s tenure, Celtic found a strong voice in Scottish football and, indeed, at European level, with his positions within European Football Clubs (previously European Club Association) reflecting the respect for Peter’s expertise as well as the Club’s history and governance.
“Peter’s knowledge, wisdom and understanding of the Club and our environment has served the club brilliantly over so many years. I thank Peter sincerely for all he has done and I wish him and his family nothing but the very best for the future.”
Celtic Chief Executive, Michael Nicholson added: “We are hugely disappointed that Peter is standing down as Chairman, particularly in these circumstances.
“This is a sad day for Celtic. 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.
“I hope that there will be respect for Peter’s privacy and family life moving forward, and I wish Peter and his family all the best for the future.
“A lifelong supporter, with Celtic in his blood, Peter gave everything to the Club, working tirelessly and standing up for the Club with determination, passion and strength. Every decision he made was taken in the best interests of the Club and our supporters.
“Under his leadership at the Club, there have been many achievements on and off the pitch, and, through both good times and hard times, Peter has always been there for his colleagues.
“Everyone at the Club will miss Peter, but we will always value the hugely significant and influential part he has played in Celtic’s story across the past 21 years. I would like to thank Peter for this contribution, on behalf of all of his colleagues at Celtic.
“I would also like to thank Brian Wilson for accepting the role of interim Chairman, taking over from Peter from January 1, 2026. We all look forward to working with Brian as the Board considers future composition and succession.”
Best thing for the club but no need for threats and intimidation. Wonder if the failure to make signings in the summer and the so far disastrous appointment of Wilfred Nancy was also a factor.
Funny how money was available for players via Michael Nicholson while Lawwell was away from the club but as soon as he came back the purse strings were tightened again.
Yes I know Celtic is a business as well as a football club but as in all businesses it’s got to be successful to prosper.
Too much emphasis on the banking side of the club results in lesser signings with one eye on saving money but unfortunately turning a blind eye to the needs of the club for success, especially on the European stage and is also a slap in the face to the fans who contribute so much to the club
Absolutely disgusting that anyone should have to leave a job they love because of threats and abuse aimed at their family. We as a support should be better than that. Reading the full statement reminds us that though we have progressed as far as we’d like in new approaches and in Europe, our trophy record whilst he’s been around is great. Not a great look for the club and it’s support – whatever the frustrations.
What threats to his family?
How about Nicholson and Desmond doing the right thing by standing down, as they don’t play any part in the progression of Celtic.
Hopefully more heads will roll and the club will begin to grow again
Go Board Go you’re not wanted.