MEXICO CITY -- After five years and five months as Club America's sporting president, Ricardo Pelaez is set to step down from his post, sources have told ESPN's Heriberto Murrieta.
Since his arrival at Las Aguilas, the team have made 10 consecutive Liguilla appearances, have won two Liga MX titles and back-to-back to CONCACAF Champions League trophies.
"I leave happy, grateful, and I'll leave the doors open [to an eventual return]," Pelaez told Murrieta.
Pelaez's reasons for leaving after the 2017 Clausura have been described as personal and voluntary.
He has had success at America, especially considering that in the 10 seasons prior to his arrival, Los Azulcremas only made five Liguilla appearances, but went through eight coaches with zero titles. With Pelaez, America have had five coaches, and a sense of stability has reigned over the club.
He is also credited with finding clubs overseas for Mexico national team players such as Diego Reyes, Raul Jimenez and Miguel Layun.
ESPN's Futbol Picante first reported the story on Monday that Pelaez and operations president Jose Romano would be leaving their posts at the end of the current season. In their places Santiago Banos, who is currently Mexico national team's sporting director, was reported to be taking over Pelaez's place with Yon de Luisa taking over Romano's.
With the changes that are going on in the club, it's unsure if Ricardo La Volpe will continue as club manager, but the team currently sit in sixth place and will take part in their 11th consecutive Liguilla.