Soccer:Peter Kenyon has announced he will leave his post of Chelsea chief executive next month but insists he has "at least one major challenge left".

Kenyon will continue to represent the club on Uefa and the European Clubs' Association committees and will be one of the representatives in the Gael Kakuta case, regardless of whether it is heard after his October 31st departure date.

Chelsea are set to make an announcement this week on how Kenyon's duties will be fulfilled. Frank Arnesen has recently been promoted to sporting director and the Dane is expected to stay in his current role.

Kenyon, who negotiated a lucrative shirt sponsorship with Samsung and a kit deal with adidas, will consider his options during a break after leaving at the end of next month.

He said: "I am extremely proud of my time at Chelsea and of the friendships I have forged with everyone here.

"I intend to take a little time off before considering what I do next but I am certain I have at least one major challenge left in me."

After Roman Abramovich took over the club in 2003, Kenyon arrived in 2004 and was part of a club that won back-to-back Premier League titles.

Since Jose Mourinho's departure as manager, the appointment of Luiz Felipe Scolari was not successful, while this campaign they have started with a 100 per cent record under Carlo Ancelotti.

This season Chelsea are also appealing a transfer ban for two windows over the arrival of Kakuta from Lens when he was 16. The fact Kenyon will represent the club when the case is heard points towards the saga having nothing to do with his departure.

"I would like to wish Chelsea the best of luck for the rest of the season," Kenyon added. "I am sure Carlo can lead the team to more great things."

The focus will now be on where Kenyon goes next.

Manchester City are embarking on a project similar to Chelsea's six years ago but the link between Kenyon and Eastlands has only been speculative.

Chelsea Chairman Bruce Buck added: "Peter has done a fantastic job for Chelsea in the last five-and-a-half years and has been absolutely central to the success on and off the field we have had during that time.

"Without his football knowledge and business acumen Chelsea would not be where we are today.

"Everyone at Chelsea thanks him for that contribution and although he will not be with us on a permanent basis he will have an important role to play as a non-executive director and in the various roles he holds in European football bodies.

"When Peter first joined us we knew we were recruiting a top executive from business generally, not just football. With that always came a certain inevitability he would eventually want to seek a new challenge and I am sure that is what he will do.

"Whatever his next permanent job we wish him the best of luck in the future. He will always be welcome back at Chelsea."