He did not resist the public outcry. The president of the American Football Federation (US Soccer), Carlos Cordeiro, announced on the night of Thursday to Friday that he was resigning from his post, occupied since 2018, with immediate effect.
His decision follows the big controversy aroused by the sexist arguments advanced by his authority to refuse equal pay between men and women players in the national teams, as requested by the sacred American world champions in July 2019 in Lyon (after having eliminated the Blue in quarters). The trial between the American internationals and their federation is scheduled to open on May 5 in Los Angeles (United States).
It has been an incredible privilege to serve as the President of US 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
In a document delivered on March 10 to a Los Angeles court hearing a discrimination complaint, the Federation had justified the pay gap by the greater “hostility” of the opposing public encountered by the men's team, especially during the trips to Mexico and Central America.
"It is really disappointing"
The Federation document, revealed by the BuzzFeed media, stated that "the work of a player (on the men's national team) involves more responsibility in US Soccer than the work of a player (of the National Women's Team). He also emphasized the biological differences to justify that women should be paid less because the men's team "requires a higher level of skill" than its female counterpart.
In protest, the players of the selection had presented themselves on the field of Tampa (Florida) their jerseys turned over to hide the logo of the Federation, March 10, at the time of their last match of the tournament of the SheBelievesCup against Japan (3-1). "Seeing that as an argument, the blatant misogyny and sexism used as arguments against us is really disappointing," said militant star Megan Rapinoe, Ballon d'Or 2019, after the meeting.
The sponsors of the Federation were also moved by these remarks, like Coca-Cola, its main partner. The group had expressed strong dissatisfaction in a statement. "We are extremely disappointed with the unacceptable and offensive comments made by US Soccer," he wrote. We asked the [Federation officials] to meet immediately to voice our concerns. "
Cindy Parlow Cone succeeds her
After having initially apologized, Carlos Cordeiro therefore decided to resign. "The arguments and terms used in the document tabled in court this week have greatly offended and hurt, especially the players on our national women's team, who deserve better. It was unacceptable and inexcusable, "he said on Twitter.
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Before clarifying: “I did not have the opportunity to examine the document in its entirety before it was transmitted, and I assume my responsibility for not having done so. These terms did not match my deep admiration for our female players or our values. The Federation's vice-president, Cindy Parlow Cone, will succeed him as president.