US Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro resigned last night, three days after the organization sparked a backlash when its legal papers in a gender discrimination lawsuit claimed the women’s national team players had less physical ability and responsibility than their male counterparts.
But the more surprising is that Carlos decided to announce his resignation on Twitter without informing the federation’s communication staffs. This as now pave the way for former American midfielder Cindy Parlow Cone to become the first woman president in the history of the 107-year-old federation.
Cordeiro said he decided to quit after discussions with the USSF board. “It has become clear to me that what is best right now is a new direction,” Cordeiro wrote. “The arguments and language contained in this week’s legal filing caused great offense and pain, especially to our extraordinary women’s national team players who deserve better. It was unacceptable and inexcusable”.
“I did not have the opportunity to fully review the filing in its entirety before it was submitted, and I take responsibility for not doing so. Had I done so, I would have objected to the language,” he wrote.
He stepped down on a day several USSF board members issued extraordinary rebukes, that criticized the governing body’s legal filings. Among them were Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber and Parlow Cone, the federation’s vice president.
Several of the federation’s sponsors issued statements this week backing the players and condemning the USSF, including The Coca-Cola Co., Anheuser Busch Cos. Inc., The Procter & Gamble Co. and Volkswagen Group.
