U.S. Soccer confirmed on Thursday that CEO Dan Flynn will be stepping down from his post.
Flynn took over the job in 2000, helping the organization expand business opportunities and visibility to an extent never previously achieved. Flynn also served as CEO of the 2003 Women's World Cup, hosted in the United States, and was heavily involved in the successful United 2026 joint World Cup bid for Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Flynn successfully underwent a heart transplant back in 2016, and following his recovery returned to his role. He is expected to take on an advisory role with U.S. Soccer, but details on that are forthcoming.
The news was first reported this week by Steven Goff of The Washington Post.
U.S. Soccer chief communications officer Neil Buethe provided additional detail to MLSsoccer.com.
“The notion that Dan would be transitioning out as U.S. Soccer’s CEO was not a recent development, but rather has been a thorough discussion for a long time to ensure that there was a well-thought-out succession plan,” Buethe explained. “For the past 2-3 years, Dan has been thinking about that transition strategy and has had several discussions on the topic with U.S. Soccer leadership and the Board of Directors.
“The Board is now in the final stages of determining exactly how that transition will be executed, most recently discussing the process during their meeting last week in Frisco. This process is part of succession planning that is an element of good governance and a strategic approach for the Federation’s long-term vision, which is no different than any organization.
“In some of the earliest discussions, the timing for the transition was going to take place following the 2018 FIFA World Cup. After the change in President, there was a preference for Dan to stay in the CEO role for a longer period of time to help in the transition. That concept was preferred by Carlos [Cordeiro, current U.S. Soccer president] and unilaterally welcomed by the Board.”
Buethe added that the final details of Flynn's succession plans are still in process and will be shared in the coming months.
