U.S. Soccer CEO Dodges Questions on Infantino Support

U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson dodged questions on Tuesday about the federation's stance on Gianni Infantino's reelection campaign. Batson, who introduced Los Angeles FC co-managing owner Larry Berg as the league's next commissioner during a press conference, did not clarify if U.S. Soccer formally backed Infantino's reelection or would withdraw any support.

Batson referenced the federation's public support for CONCACAF's statement opposing Infantino's failed plan to sell interests in the World Cup to private investors. He also mentioned an upcoming board meeting in September, where the future of global soccer would be discussed. However, Batson did not anticipate much communication before that meeting.

The opposition from CONCACAF and its 41 member associations to Infantino's proposal has raised questions about U.S. Soccer's position. While no CONCACAF member had publicly withdrawn support as of Tuesday, several were reportedly considering doing so. As of now, U.S. Soccer had not submitted a letter of endorsement for Infantino's reelection or had plans to withdraw it if they had.

When asked about supporting Victor Montagliani, the president of CONCACAF, as an alternative to Infantino, Batson declined to comment. He did, however, highlight the Women's World Cup in 2027 as a potential opportunity to reevaluate the global game's success. U.S. Soccer previously endorsed Infantino in his first run for FIFA president in 2016.