United States Soccer Federation presidential election, 2018
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The 2018 United States Soccer Federation presidential election will be held in February 2018 to determine the next President of the United States Soccer Federation. Having served as President since 2006, incumbent Sunil Gulati has elected not to run for re-election, after the United States men's national soccer team failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986.
Background
Sunil Gulati, the incumbent president of U.S. Soccer, has held the position since he was first elected in 2006.[1] Gulati ran unopposed for election in 2006, and for re-election in 2010 and 2014.[2] On December 4, 2017, Gulati announced that he would not seek another term.[3]
In the months leading up to the election, the U.S. Soccer Federation submitted a joint bid with Canada and Mexico to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[4][5] In October 2017, the United States men's national soccer team failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, missing the World Cup for the first time since 1986, sparking a major push for reform by supporters.[6]
Format
The election will take place on February 10, 2018, at the National Council Meeting during the U.S. Soccer Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. Candidates are required to pass a background check conducted by the federation and receive three letters of nomination from organization members or an athlete representative on the federation's Board of Directors.[7]
Eligible delegates will be drawn from the following groups:[7]
- The 91 state-level associations, national associations, and professional leagues
- Voting members of the Athletes Council
- Voting members of the Board of Directors
- Past presidents of the federation
- Life Members
- Delegates from national associations, national affiliates, other affiliates, and disabled service organizations
- Delegates selected by individual sustaining members
Votes are divided between the Athletes Council, Youth Council, Adult Council, Professional Council, and other groups.[8]
General election campaign
On December 22, 2017, Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated reported that outgoing U.S. Soccer President, Sunil Gulati and Major League Soccer commissioner, Don Garber were campaigning for, and hosted a campaign dinner for Kathy Carter.[9] This sparked a potential conflict of interest given Carter's current role with Soccer United Marketing, and SUM's relationship with U.S. Soccer and MLS.[10] Carter denied any collusion between her, Gulati and Garber.[11]
Shortly after, Carter received the endorsement from the Eastern New York State Soccer Association (ENYSSA) and the New Jersey Soccer Association (NJSA). When asked on Twitter about the decision-making process to endorse Carter, the ENYSSA blocked several accounts on Twitter, only to revert the blocks and claiming their account was "hacked".
Candidates
On December 20, 2017, USSF announced that eight candidates were eligible to stand for election, having met the federation's requirements, 8 of 9 opposed Sunil Gulati. Of the nine declared candidates, only Paul Lapointe failed to qualify for the ballot, since he supported Sunil Gulati.[12]
Confirmed
- Paul Caligiuri, former player of the US national team[13]
- Kathy Carter, former college player and president of Soccer United Marketing[14]
- Carlos Cordeiro, USSF vice president since 2016 and member of CONCACAF Council[15]
- Steve Gans, attorney based in Boston[16]
- Kyle Martino, former player of the US national team, TV analyst[6]
- Hope Solo, former player of the US women's national team, World Cup champion[17]
- Michael Winograd, lawyer and former professional player and general manager in the A-League[18]
- Eric Wynalda, former player of the US national team, analyst for Fox Sports 1/FOX Sports and former head coach[16][19]
Failed to Qualify
- Paul Lapointe, Massachusetts regional director of United Premier Soccer League[20]
Declined
- Rocco Commisso, owner of the New York Cosmos[21]
- Joe Cummings, former head of National Soccer Coaches Association of America, now United Soccer Coaches[21]
- Landon Donovan, former player of the US national team[22]
- Brad Friedel, head coach of the New England Revolution[23] and former head coach of the United States men's national under-19 soccer team[21]
- Julie Foudy, former USWNT captain, former president of Women's Sports Foundation, current journalist for ESPN[21]
- Sunil Gulati, incumbent[3][24][25]
- Angela Hucles, member of U.S. Soccer Athletes Council, former president of Women's Sports Foundation[21]
- Mia Hamm, former USWNT player, part-owner of Los Angeles FC[21]
- Claudio Reyna, sporting director of New York City FC[21]
- Nelson Rodriguez, general manager of Chicago Fire[21]
- Rishi Sehgal, interim commissioner of the North American Soccer League[21]
- Charlie Stillitano, director of the International Champions Cup[26]
Endorsements
Eric Wynalda |
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Kyle Martino |
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Michael Winograd |
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Steve Gans |
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Kathy Carter |
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Paul Caligiuri |
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Hope Solo |
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Carlos Cordeiro |
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Results
First Ballot
- Carlos Cordeiro - 36.3%
- Kathy Carter - 34.6%
- Eric Wynalda - 13.7%
- Kyle Martino - 8.6%
- Steve Gans - 4.1%
- Hope Solo - 1.6%
- Michael Winograd - 0.6%
- Paul Caligiuri - 0.5%
Paul Caligiuri withdrew
Second Ballot
- Carlos Cordeiro - 41.8%
- Kathy Carter - 33.3%
- Eric Wynalda - 10.8%
- Kyle Martino - 10.2%
- Steve Gans - 2.4%
- Hope Solo - 1.5%
- Michael Winograd - 0.0%
Michael Winograd and Steve Gans withdrew
Third Ballot
- Carlos Cordeiro - 68.6%
- Kathy Carter - 10.6%
- Kyle Martino - 10.6%
- Eric Wynalda - 8.9%
- Hope Solo - 1.4%
Carlos Cordeiro was elected
References
- ↑ "Sunil Gulati Unanimously Elected President of U.S. Soccer". United States Soccer Federation. U.S. Soccer. March 11, 2006. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
- ↑ Goff, Steven (May 15, 2017). "U.S. soccer president Sunil Gulati might have a challenger in 2018 election". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- 1 2 Borden, Sam (December 4, 2017). "Sunil Gulati decides not to run for re-election as U.S. Soccer president". ESPN. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ↑ Carlisle, Jeff (October 24, 2017). "2026 World Cup group: U.S. Soccer election won't affect co-host bid". ESPN FC. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
- ↑ Draper, Kevin (October 24, 2017). "Leaders of 2026 World Cup Bid Press On Amid U.S. Soccer Power Struggle". The New York Times. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
- 1 2 Stein, Marc (November 6, 2017). "Kyle Martino Enters Race for U.S. Soccer President". The New York Times. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
- 1 2 "2018 U.S. Soccer Presidential Election FAQ". United States Soccer Federation. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
- ↑ Kennedy, Paul (January 6, 2018). "Nuts and bolts: How U.S. Soccer's presidential election will work". Soccer America. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
- ↑ Wahl, Grant (December 22, 2017). "Contrary to Comments, Garber, Gulati's Actions Show Lobbying for Carter in U.S. Soccer Election". Sports Illustrated. Time, Inc. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
- ↑ Cleveland, Parker (December 26, 2017). "Don Garber and Sunil Gulati campaigning for Kathy Carter illustrates SUM/USSF conflict of interest". Stars and Stripes FC. SB Nation. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
- ↑ Wahl, Grant (December 5, 2017). "Kathy Carter Denies Being Gulati, Garber's Strategic Pick for U.S. Soccer President". Sports Illustrated. Time, Inc. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
- ↑ Wahl, Grant (December 20, 2017). "Meet the Final Candidates Vying to Become U.S. Soccer's Next President". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
- ↑ Carlisle, Jeff (November 3, 2017). "Ex-U.S. international Paul Caligiuri to run for U.S. Soccer presidency". ESPN. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
- ↑ Das, Andrew (December 5, 2017). "Kathy Carter Joins a Crowded Race for U.S. Soccer President". The New York Times. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
- ↑ Straus, Brian (November 2, 2017). "Carlos Cordeiro, Gulati's Right-Hand Man and VP, Runs for U.S. Soccer President". Sporting Illustrated. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
- 1 2 Carlisle, Jeff (October 22, 2017). "Steve Gans and Eric Wynalda make pitches to be U.S. Soccer president". ESPN. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
- ↑ Withiam, Hannah (December 7, 2017). "Hope Solo running for US Soccer president". New York Post. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
- ↑ Tannenwald, Johnathan (November 7, 2017). "Q&A with Michael Winograd, U.S. Soccer Federation presidential election candidate". Philly.com. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
- ↑ "Eric Wynalda to stand for U.S. Soccer presidency, eyes changes to MLS". Espnfc.com. October 21, 2017. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
- ↑ Wahl, Grant (December 20, 2017). "Meet the Final Candidates Vying to Become U.S. Soccer's Next President". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Wahl, Grant (October 20, 2017). "Fluid, Potential Election Field Points to Chaotic U.S. Soccer Presidential Campaign". Sports Illustrated. Time Inc. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
- ↑ Wahl, Grant (November 9, 2017). "Landon Donovan Won't Run for President But Eyes Active Role in Shaping U.S. Soccer". Si.com. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 14, 2017.
- ↑ "Club Staff". New England Revolution. 2012-02-22. Retrieved 2018-01-17.
- ↑ Das, Andrew (October 13, 2017). "Sunil Gulati Says He Won't Resign as President of U.S. Soccer". The New York Times. The New York Times Company. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
- ↑ Kennedy, Paul (October 13, 2017). "Defiant Gulati doesn't plan on resigning". Soccer America. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
- ↑ Wahl, Grant (October 24, 2017). "Charlie Stillitano Decides Against Running for U.S. Soccer President". Sports Illustrated. Time Inc. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
- ↑ "Statement From The NPSL". npsl.com. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
- ↑ "NISA Endorses Eric Wynalda for USSF President - NISA". Nisaofficial.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ↑ "NASL Announces Support For Eric Wynalda In Upcoming USSF Presidential Election". Retrieved 20 January 2018.
- ↑ https://twitter.com/NorCalPreSoccer/status/951581205132058624
- ↑ "Home". Rushsoccer.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ↑ "2018 US Soccer Presidential Election - American Soccer United". Americansoccerunited.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ↑ "NHSA Backs Eric Wynalda for President (US Soccer) – EricWynalda.org". Ericwynalda.org. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ↑ http://www.illinoissoccer.org/wynalda4ussf
- ↑ "Monmouth Generals FC Endorsement – EricWynalda.org". Ericwynalda.org. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/GalvestonHurricanes/posts/831077080398692
- ↑ "Wynalda denies his campaign is bankrolled by Commisso". Si.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ↑ https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/01/03/eric-wynalda-us-soccer-president-election-rocco-commisso-nasl
- ↑ http://ericwynalda.com/
- ↑ http://www.myajc.com/sports/wynalda-credits-silverbacks-for-strengthening-his-platform-for-soccer/2tZ7z0WMoJDB5DEeF9LF4O/
- ↑ https://twitter.com/PaulLapointe98/status/949733394564501504
- ↑ http://www.nisaofficial.com/2018/01/06/peter-wilt-is-speaking-at-a-town-hall-event-for-eric-wynalda/
- ↑ http://www.myajc.com/sports/wynalda-credits-silverbacks-for-strengthening-his-platform-for-soccer/2tZ7z0WMoJDB5DEeF9LF4O/
- 1 2 "Kyle Martino enters U.S. Soccer presidential race". Si.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ↑ "Mickey Kydes Endorses Kyle Martino for US Soccer President – Mickey Kydes Soccer". Kydessoccer.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ↑ https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59fe0fb8d7bdcef9a9cedd25/t/5a499e28e2c483236cffa4d0/1514774058349/Kyleletters.pdf
- ↑ https://twitter.com/DaxMcCarty11/status/952626848688517120
- ↑ https://twitter.com/EdsonBuddle/status/951266179322142720
- ↑ https://twitter.com/SachaKljestan/status/951854509629648896
- ↑ "Street Soccer USA - US Soccer President". Streetsoccerusa.org. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ↑ "Who is funding each U.S. Soccer election candidate?". Si.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ↑ https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2018/1/20/16912580/usa-usmnt-uswnt-us-soccer-presidential-election-candidates-united-soccer-coaches-convention
- ↑ https://twitter.com/kylemartino/status/951561572442394624
- ↑ http://www.cssasoccer.com/news_article/show/873477
- ↑ Archived 2018-01-08 at the Wayback Machine.
- 1 2 3 4 "Steering Committee". Stevegans2018.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/RHODEISLANDSOCCER/posts/1658956974136074
- ↑ http://stevegans2018.com/steering-committee/
- ↑ "We proudly endorse @soccerkcarter in her candidacy to be the next President of @ussoccer Kathy, we look forward to working with you and helping to make your vision for the game become a reality". Twitter.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ↑ Carter, Kathy. "Proud to announce endorsements from the Eastern New York State Soccer Association @ENYSSASoccer and the New Jersey Soccer Association @soccernjsa! And a special thanks to Sal Rapaglia and John Zangrilli. Appreciate your support!pic.twitter.com/ajJsW5mLGP". Twitter.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ↑ https://twitter.com/PattiPhillips10/status/951863403529887744
- ↑ https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2018/2/8/16969098/nwsl-endorses-kathy-carter-us-soccer-election
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/filipbondy/2018/02/09/previewing-the-election-for-president-of-u-s-soccer/#40b99c4579c4
- ↑ http://www.upslsoccer.com/news/the-upsl-endorses-paul-caligiuri-for-u-s-soccer-fe
- ↑ http://hopesolo.com/2018/01/05/athlete-council-answers-2/
- ↑ http://hopesolo.com/2018/01/06/skolnik-backs-hope/
- ↑ http://hopesolo.com/2018/01/08/miyama-chooses-hope/
- ↑ http://hopesolo.com/2018/01/08/miyama-chooses-hope/
- ↑ https://twitter.com/TomNavratilism/status/943901307827642368
- ↑ "Carlos Cordeiro Elected As US Soccer's 32nd President". United States Soccer Federation. February 10, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018.