U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro resigns

Carlos Cordeiro has resigned as president of the U.S. Soccer Federation, effective immediately, after coming under heavy scrutiny from other member of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors and — perhaps most importantly — sponsors in response to the federation’s legal stance in its ongoing pay dispute with the U.S. women’s national team.

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“In legal papers submitted to federal court in Los Angeles as part of the USSF’s defense of a gender discrimination suit by players on the women’s team, the USSF asserted the women have lesser physical abilities and responsibilities than their male counterparts.”

Cordeiro, who was elected to succeed longtime USSF president Sunil Gulati only two years ago, released the following statement regarding his resignation.

It has been an incredible privilege to serve as the President of U.S. Soccer.

My one and only mission has always been to do what is best for our Federation.

After discussions with the Board of Directors, I have decided to step down, effective immediately. My full statement: pic.twitter.com/4B7siuIqcL

— Carlos Cordeiro (@CACSoccer) March 13, 2020

Cindy Cone, who previously served under Cordeiro as vice president, will take over as interim president, effective immediately.

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