The U.S Soccer Federation (USSF) president, Carlos Cordeiro, has resigned three days after the organization filed legal papers in a gender discrimination case claiming female players had less physical ability and responsibility than men.
The statement read that ‘… A reasonable juror could conclude that the job of the [Men’s National Team] player requires materially different skill and more responsibility than the Plaintiff’s [Women’s National Team player] job does.
The trial in which the comments were made are over the U.S Women’s National Team suing its employer (USSF) over pay discrimination and violations of both the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Members of the U.S Women’s National Team are seeking $67 million, whilst the USSF are asking the court to dismiss the case.
The comments prompted player protests and condemnation from sponsors including Coca-Cola, Anheuser Busch, Procter & Gamble and Volkswagen.
Cordeiro’s resignation means former American midfielder, Cindy Parlow Cone, is set to become the first female president in the history of the federation.
Cordeiro announced his resignation on Twitter. He said he decided to quit after discussions with the USSF board.
It has been an incredible privilege to serve as the President of U.S. 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
— Carlos Cordeiro (@CACSoccer) March 13, 2020
“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.
The trial in which the comments were made are over the U.S Women’s National Team suing its employer (USSF) over pay discrimination and violations of both the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Members of the U.S Women’s National Team are seeking $67 million, whilst the USSF are asking the court to dismiss the case.
The trial set for May.