2018 United States Soccer Federation presidential election

The 2018 United States Soccer Federation presidential election was held in February 2018 to determine the next President of the United States Soccer Federation. Having served as President since 2006, incumbent Sunil Gulati decided 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.

United States Soccer Federation presidential election, 2018
February 10, 2018
Candidate Carlos Cordeiro Kathy Carter Kyle Martino
Percentage 68.6 10.6 10.6
Candidate Eric Wynalda
Percentage 8.9
President before election

Sunil Gulati

 Elected President

Carlos Cordeiro

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 took 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

Failed to Qualify

Declined

Endorsements
Eric Wynalda
Leagues
Organizations
  • Rush Soccer[30]
  • American Soccer United[31]
Soccer Associations
  • New Hampshire Soccer Association[32]
  • Illinois State Soccer Association[33]
Soccer Clubs
  • Monmouth Generals FC[34]
  • Galveston Hurricanes FC[35]
Notable Individuals
Soccer Coaching Staff and Management
Kyle Martino
Soccer Players
Organizations
Notable Individuals
  • Matt Popoli, president of the New York Surf Soccer Club[49]
  • Jared Young, contributor to Stars and Stripes FC, Analysis Evolved, and The Union Deux[50]
Soccer Associations
  • South Carolina Youth Soccer Association[51]
  • Connecticut State Soccer Association[52]
Michael Winograd
Organizations
Steve Gans
Notable Individuals
Soccer Coaching Staff and Management
  • Chris Hamblin, head coach of Harvard women's soccer[54]
Soccer Associations
  • Rhode Island Soccer Association[55]
Soccer Players
Kathy Carter
Soccer Associations
  • Eastern New York State Soccer Association[57]
  • New Jersey Soccer Association[58]
Notable Individuals
  • Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in College Sports[59]
Leagues
Soccer Players
  • Julie Foudy, former soccer player, former president of the Women's Sport Foundation, ESPN journalist[61]
Paul Caligiuri
Leagues
Hope Solo
Organizations
  • Portuguese Football Players' Union[63]
Notable Individuals
  • Michael Skolnik, businessman and filmmaker[64]
  • Ronald J. Garan, Jr., former astronaut[65]
Soccer Players
Carlos Cordeiro
Notable Individuals
  • Thomas Navratil, author, columnist, and former official at the U.S. Department of State[66]

Results

[67] First ballot

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 elected

References
  1. "Sunil Gulati Unanimously Elected President of U.S. Soccer". United States Soccer Federation. U.S. Soccer. March 11, 2006. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
  2. 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.
  3. Borden, Sam (December 4, 2017). "Sunil Gulati decides not to run for re-election as U.S. Soccer president". ESPN. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Stein, Marc (November 6, 2017). "Kyle Martino Enters Race for U.S. Soccer President". The New York Times. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
  7. "2018 U.S. Soccer Presidential Election FAQ". United States Soccer Federation. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
  8. Kennedy, Paul (January 6, 2018). "Nuts and bolts: How U.S. Soccer's presidential election will work". Soccer America. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Wahl, Grant (December 20, 2017). "Meet the Final Candidates Vying to Become U.S. Soccer's Next President". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  13. Carlisle, Jeff (November 3, 2017). "Ex-U.S. international Paul Caligiuri to run for U.S. Soccer presidency". ESPN. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  14. Das, Andrew (December 5, 2017). "Kathy Carter Joins a Crowded Race for U.S. Soccer President". The New York Times. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  15. 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.
  16. Carlisle, Jeff (October 22, 2017). "Steve Gans and Eric Wynalda make pitches to be U.S. Soccer president". ESPN. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
  17. Withiam, Hannah (December 7, 2017). "Hope Solo running for US Soccer president". New York Post. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
  18. Tannenwald, Johnathan (November 7, 2017). "Q&A with Michael Winograd, U.S. Soccer Federation presidential election candidate". Philly.com. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
  19. "Eric Wynalda to stand for U.S. Soccer presidency, eyes changes to MLS". Espnfc.com. October 21, 2017. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. "Club Staff". New England Revolution. 2012-02-22. Retrieved 2018-01-17.
  23. 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.
  24. Kennedy, Paul (October 13, 2017). "Defiant Gulati doesn't plan on resigning". Soccer America. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
  25. Wahl, Grant (October 24, 2017). "Charlie Stillitano Decides Against Running for U.S. Soccer President". Sports Illustrated. Time Inc. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
  26. "Statement From The NPSL". npsl.com. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  27. "NISA Endorses Eric Wynalda for USSF President - NISA". Nisaofficial.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  28. "NASL Announces Support For Eric Wynalda In Upcoming USSF Presidential Election". Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  29. "NorCal Premier Soccer is excited to endorse @EricWynalda for US Soccer President and has released the following statement on the matter". January 11, 2018.
  30. "Home". Rushsoccer.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  31. "2018 US Soccer Presidential Election - American Soccer United". Americansoccerunited.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  32. "NHSA Backs Eric Wynalda for President (US Soccer) – EricWynalda.org". Ericwynalda.org. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  33. http://www.illinoissoccer.org/wynalda4ussf
  34. "Monmouth Generals FC Endorsement – EricWynalda.org". Ericwynalda.org. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  35. https://www.facebook.com/GalvestonHurricanes/posts/831077080398692
  36. "Wynalda denies his campaign is bankrolled by Commisso". Si.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  37. Wahl, Grant. "Wynalda denies his campaign is bankrolled by Commisso". Sports Illustrated.
  38. "ericwynalda.com". ericwynalda.com.
  39. Doug Roberson, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Wynalda credits Silverbacks for strengthening his platform for U.S. soccer". ajc.
  40. Lapointe, Paul J. (January 6, 2018). "Dear American Soccer Community, It is with excitement and passion that I fully support the candidate that has the character who displays Inclusion, Honesty, Integrity and the will to support all of us in this amazing sport of soccer in the USA. That candidate is Eric Wynalda".
  41. "Home | National Independent Soccer Association". www.nisaofficial.com.
  42. "Kyle Martino enters U.S. Soccer presidential race". Si.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  43. "Mickey Kydes Endorses Kyle Martino for US Soccer President – Mickey Kydes Soccer". Kydessoccer.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  44. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59fe0fb8d7bdcef9a9cedd25/t/5a499e28e2c483236cffa4d0/1514774058349/Kyleletters.pdf
  45. McCarty, Dax (January 14, 2018). "Fully believe @kylemartino is the right man to lead US Soccer forward. Not only is he a man of character and integrity, his plans for change are logical and beneficial to all areas of our sport. Best of luck in the upcoming election!".
  46. Buddle, Edson (January 10, 2018). "@KyleMartino is an outstanding soccer player. I have known Kyle for 21yrs and have played alongside him both at the youth level & professionally. His hard work, dedication, and integrity would make him a great US Soccer President".
  47. Kljestan, Sacha (January 12, 2018). "Supporting @kylemartino for US Soccer President. He's got the passion and belief to help our sport continue to move forward in a positive way".
  48. "Street Soccer USA - US Soccer President". Streetsoccerusa.org. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  49. "Who is funding each U.S. Soccer election candidate?". Si.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  50. Young, Jared (January 20, 2018). "U.S. Soccer presidential candidates speak at United Soccer Coaches Convention". Stars and Stripes FC.
  51. Initiative, Over Under (January 11, 2018). "Humbled and honored to have the support of the great state of South Carolina. Together we will grow this great game".
  52. http://www.cssasoccer.com/news_article/show/873477
  53. "Page Error | Ropes & Gray LLP". www.ropesgray.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018.
  54. "Steering Committee". Stevegans2018.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  55. "Rhode Island Soccer Association". www.facebook.com.
  56. "Your website has been disabled". suspended.hawkhost.com.
  57. "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.
  58. 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.
  59. Phillips, Patti (January 12, 2018). "Dear @ussoccer, the time is NOW. Kathy Carter has what it takes! Excited to support her in her run for the US soccer presidency. Go Kathy! #WeAreWomenLeaderspic.twitter.com/euEwCPvPZv".
  60. Yang, Stephanie (February 8, 2018). "NWSL endorses Kathy Carter in USSF election". Stars and Stripes FC.
  61. Bondy, Filip. "How To Parse The Candidates For U.S. Soccer President". Forbes.
  62. "Divisions | United Premier Soccer League". www.upsl.com.
  63. Staff, HopeSolo com (January 5, 2018). "Portuguese PA Endorses Hope for President".
  64. Staff, HopeSolo com (January 6, 2018). "Civil Rights Activist Michael Skolnik Backs Hope for U.S. Soccer President".
  65. Staff, HopeSolo com (January 8, 2018). "For Japan's Miyama, Hope Is the Choice for USSF President".
  66. Navratil, Tom (December 21, 2017). "Carlos Cordeiro offers an unbeatable combination of experience and aspiration. We need that kind of leadership to bring the men's side up as well as to keep the women's team preeminent in the face of strengthening global competition. #USAsoccer".
  67. "Carlos Cordeiro Elected As US Soccer's 32nd President". United States Soccer Federation. February 10, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
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