TV analyst Kyle Martino has decided to "take a hiatus from his post at NBC effective immediately" and "mount a bid to replace" longtime U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati, according to Marc Stein of the N.Y. TIMES. Three weeks ago, Martino told Bleacher Report that he had "considered running for the job but decided against it because the presidency is a volunteer position with no salary." But Martino said that he "changed his mind because he was adamant that the time had come for a true 'soccer guy' to run a federation that is thriving economically but is struggling to keep up with rivals on the field and is deeply divided about the leadership of Gulati." Candidates have until Dec. 12 to "announce their intention to run and submit the required nominations." Martino is the "third prominent ex-U.S. player to announce his intention to run for the presidency," joining FS1 analyst Eric Wynalda and Paul Caligiuri. But Martino’s profile could "make him the biggest threat." U.S. Soccer VP Carlos Cordeiro last week also announced his bid. Other candidates who have "publicly declared their intention to run" include Boston-based attorney Steve Gans, Massachusetts-based soccer coach Paul Lapointe and N.Y.-based attorney Michael Winograd. Meanwhile, Gulati has been "cagey about whether he will enter the race" (N.Y. TIMES, 11/7). The Washington Post's Steven Goff in a series of tweets wrote, "As more candidates declare USSF presidential run -- most with little chance of winning -- the incumbent's chances of reelection grow ... Looking like a landslide ... Of course, not all of these declared candidates will receive the needed nominations to join the ballot. ... Still unclear whether Gulati will seek re-election. USSF problems and outside pressure probably taking a toll. 2026 WC is his baby (TWITTER.com, 11/6).
