Menu
Leagues and Governing Bodies

Eric Wynalda Fights Off Sharp Critics While Campaigning For U.S. Soccer President

Eric Wynalda's candidacy for U.S. Soccer President has been "called Trump-like," as he has "spent months eviscerating the very organization he hopes to soon lead," according to Kevin Draper of the N.Y. TIMES. Wynalda has "insisted that he alone has the skills to run" the USSF most effectively, even though he "spent part of the last decade warding off creditors" after filing for bankruptcy in '09. After doing so, he "subsequently had significant liens placed against his assets as recently as three years ago." Wynalda said that the liens were "filed in error and were discharged without his having to pay any additional taxes or penalties." He has said that the "roots of his financial problems" dated to '03, when he "separated from his wife."

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Wynalda’s critics "point out his campaign" is reportedly being financed in part by NASL club N.Y. Cosmos Owner Rocco Commisso, who is "locked in a legal battle with U.S. Soccer." They also say that Wynalda has "little experience to prepare him for the task of running an organization with more than 170 employees and multi-million-dollar contracts with some of the biggest entities in sports." But Wynalda said that the focus "should be on the problems at U.S. Soccer, rather than on personal financial problems." It seems there is "nothing and nobody Wynalda will not take aim at." He said of outgoing USSF President Sunil Gulati, “He’s a lecturer, O.K. Some people buy it, and some people don’t.” He said of current USSF board members, “They are a group of accountants moving money around and tripping on themselves, and falling in a bucket of TV money and calling themselves businessmen.” His campaign has "set the election’s agenda, even if he eventually loses to a more well-connected candidate" (N.Y. TIMES, 1/18). SOCCER AMERICA's Paul Kennedy noted NASL yesterday "became the first pro league to confirm its support" in the election when it "declared it is backing" Wynalda. The move is "no surprise." Wynalda recently said that he had "received campaign support" from NASL BOG Chair Riccardo Silva (SOCCERAMERICA.com, 1/17).

GIVE HER A CHANCE?
YAHOO SPORTS' Eric Adelson wrote the reasons for dismissing Hope Solo from contention for USSF president are "well-known," but there is still a "case for her candidacy." Solo has said she wants "complete transparency" in the federation. Solo: "Show people where the money is going. Then all decide where to put the money." U.S. Soccer "might do well to have someone who will speak truth to power," but her past is "too discomforting, her honesty too blunt." Solo speaks from an "experience that is unique among all of the candidates." Will the "soccer community listen?" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 1/17).

SBJ Morning Buzzcast: March 18, 2024

Sports Business Awards nominees unveiled; NWSL's historic opening weekend and takeaways from CFP deal

ESPN’s Jay Bilas, BTN’s Meghan McKeown, and a deep dive into AppleTV+’s The Dynasty

On this week’s Sports Media Podcast from the New York Post and Sports Business Journal, ESPN’s Jay Bilas talks all things NCAA. Big Ten Network’s Meghan McKeown shares her insight into the Caitlin Clark craze. The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn chats all things Bean Town. And SBJ’s Xavier Hunter drops in to share his findings on how the NWSL is making a social media push.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SBJ I Factor: Nana-Yaw Asamoah

SBJ I Factor features an interview with AMB Sports and Entertainment Chief Commercial Office Nana-Yaw Asamoah. Asamoah, who moved over to AMBSE last year after 14 years at the NFL, talks with SBJ’s Ben Fischer about how his role model parents and older sisters pushed him to shrive, how the power of lifelong learning fuels successful people, and why AMBSE was an opportunity he could not pass up. Asamoah is 2021 SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards.

Shareable URL copied to clipboard!

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2018/01/18/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/Wynalda.aspx

Sorry, something went wrong with the copy but here is the link for you.

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2018/01/18/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/Wynalda.aspx

CLOSE