Earlier this week, legal filings from the U.S. Women’s National Team’s lawsuit against U.S. Soccer were released, revealing a defense that is widely being called misogynistic, if not just plain untrue.
“The job of a [men’s national team player] carries more responsibility within U.S. Soccer than the job of a [women’s national team] player,” the federation argued, citing that the men’s team “requires a higher level of skill.” This is in spite of the women’s team’s four World Cup wins and four Olympic gold medals, both feats the men’s team hasn’t yet accomplished.
In response, U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro has stepped down from his position. Cordeiro said in a statement, “My one and only mission has always been to do what is best for our Federation, and it has become clear to me that what is best right now is a new direction. 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.”
Plenty of others agreed with that sentiment. U.S. Soccer’s sponsor said they were “extremely disappointed with the unacceptable and offensive comments.” Volkswagen USA tweeted that they were “disgusted” and echoed that this position is “unacceptable.”
Cordeiro admits that he “did not have the opportunity to fully review the filing in its entirety before it was submitted.”
“I take full responsibility for not doing so. Had I done so, I would have objected to the language that did not reflect my personal admiration for our women’s or our values as an organization.”
On Wednesday, the USWNT wore their jerseys inside out during the national anthem of their match against Japan. When worn this way, the only part of the U.S. Soccer logo visible is the four stars that represent each of their World Cup victories. They returned their jerseys to right side out before the game began.
Cordeiro will be succeeded by the organization’s Vice President Cindy Parlow Cone. She will be the first woman to hold the position.
