NEW YORK (AP) — Matt Crocker resigned as U.S. Soccer Federation’s athletic director Tuesday. world cupto get a new job in Saudi Arabia.
USSF announced that Crocker would be leaving to pursue an unconfirmed international soccer opportunity, but a person familiar with the decision, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Crocker’s new job has not been announced, said he plans to work in Saudi Arabia. His hiring by Saudi Arabia was first reported by Fox.
The United States is co-hosting the World Cup, which begins June 11th. Contract with men’s manager Mauricio Pochettino Ends after the tournament ends. The USSF will open a 200-acre, 17-field training center and office complex next month in Fayetteville, Georgia, outside Atlanta.
Dan Helfrich, who was hired as the federation’s chief operating officer in November, “will provide executive oversight and support across the federation’s sports operations,” the USSF said in a statement. Helfrich will work alongside former national team defender and assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu and women’s national youth team development director Tracy Kevins.
Crocker, 51, is Adopted by USSF in April 2023 After serving as Southampton’s director of football since February 2020.
Mr. Crocker oversaw the following decisions: Rehire Greg Berhalter Appointed as men’s coach in June 2023 fire berhalter In July 2024 after losing the first round of Copa America Pochettino was hired in September of the same year.
He also made the following recommendations: Hire Emma Hayes Hayes will begin coaching the women’s national team starting in the spring of 2024. Hayes led the women’s team to an Olympic gold medal.
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