Following the USSF AGM, there was a media availability for Wes Wilson and the re-elected Cindy Parlow Cone. My thinking on the two candidates was that neither were worthy of election. Yes, the big knock on her opponent was that he did not read legal papers that were filed, they were very disparaging of the USWNT, famously more successful than the USMNT, but listed as not having as difficult of a job to do? False, but in the legal world, maybe the way to phrase it as I have stated in the past. Well, then VP Cone also did not read it, a former member of this team also failed to peruse such documents being filed, she gets a pass, how, why, it is the same position, same team she was a champion with that was being slammed. There were of course other issues, but the most noise was made of this by way of stating who would be the better choice, but took the same inaction. I think it was more a choice of the less worse one. The poor treatment of female players at the pro level is horrific, and went on under both of their presidencies, teams not having current CBA’s an issue, both are now out of them as well, the WNT had theirs extended until later this month. The tens of millions spent on both settlement and then at least a third of that on legal fees as well is a stain on both while at the top of the federation. Anyway onto the brief media time that was delayed due to technical difficulties, I was unable to get in on the AGM public session over the computer, no idea of why, I bet it was on me.
Asked about the close vote, and the fact that not all athletes voted for her, what is her view on that. Her reply made sense, in being an elite athlete in her past she wants to improve and did cite a number of areas to do so. She is proud of her two years and is aware there is much more to do, listen and communicate better, though said wrong, in her first years she sought to just not “sink the ship”. She mentioned doing more at the grassroots a number of times as well.
It was put to her what about the allegations in WOSO in particular, fans addressed it a lot on social media, what her message is to them. Her answer was that the fans have a vote in the fan council on the election. That issue is why they brought in Sally Yates, that the USSF is aware there are changes that need to be made, but will not make changes just for the sake of making changes. They will take and consider the recommendations, and should an item be brought up that needs to be dealt with at the time, it will be.
Next asked about the Athletes not being united. Cone told that the votes are private, she is the president for all, not just those who backed her. Many areas need help, even the pros as they pour Billions into the game with stadium, training facilities etc. but will get involved at all levels.
CBA’s and what she seeks to do next, she was honest. Taking a lil’ vacation then back at it fast. Yes, the CBA’s will be item #1, the WC being hosted here is big, YNT’s & others, involved in grassroots, she is well aware of the issues here, including more $$ support, and refs, they being a common issue with adult soccer along with fields, even at the pro level to link with them in their initiatives. Wes Wilson added that they were close to a CBA with the MNT in June, not so close now. There is a need to rebuild trust and move forward.
The 2026 WC hosted by the US and our neighbors to the north and south. Will the Fed handle it or hire a CEO. Wilson had the answer at the ready, FIFA will run it. The Local Organizing Committees and that they must make the right local hires. Site selection will be done in April & May.
I was able to ask what impact the recent settling of the lawsuit with the USWNT and the more recent setting of the new media rights, first time in some time they were separated from the MLS had in her taking the election. She stated to have no idea. At the end of this article, see my thoughts on that.
As to the governance change collaboration at the governance level, and seek to help membership as they move forward.
It was poised to her what she thought of the vote on the President being paid. Cone stated many waned it but not the 2/3 needed to make it happen. The Athletes council hoped to open it up to those who may not have so much money to work, or those with jobs willing to give so much time off, her job has been great.
As to my question, please, I would think less money was accepted than could have been made on rights and more was paid out in settling than if she did not want it settled with the WNT ahead of his election. That should have been settled long ago, the dollars, wasted in litigation are gone and the bad blood is still there.