Vlatko Andonovski’s Compensation Revealed
On Thursday, the U.S. Soccer Federation released its tax return for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, shedding light on the compensation of its key figures, including former U.S. women’s soccer coach Vlatko Andonovski. During his final nine months in the role, Andonovski was paid a total of $454,048, which included a base salary of $411,471, deferred compensation, and nontaxable benefits. This figure notably outpaced the $376,214 received by Gregg Berhalter, the men’s coach, during the first nine months of his second term. Andonovski’s tenure ended in August 2023 when he announced his resignation following the U.S. women’s team’s early exit from the Women’s World Cup in the round of 16, a significant setback for the team known for their dominance in international soccer. The tax return indicated that Andonovski’s pay extended through December 2023, reflecting the agreement he had with the federation during his departure.
Gregg Berhalter’s Tumultuous Return and Departure
Gregg Berhalter’s journey with the U.S. men’s national team has been anything but smooth. His contract expired at the end of 2022, and he returned in June 2023 after a law firm concluded that he did not withhold information about a three-decade-old domestic violence allegation involving him and the woman who later became his wife. The inquiry was initiated when the Reyna family brought the allegation to the USSF’s attention. Berhalter’s base pay for the initial nine months of his second term was $346,452. However, his tenure was abruptly cut short in July 2023 when the U.S. team was eliminated in the first round of the Copa America. Following this disappointing performance, Berhalter was fired and replaced by Mauricio Pochettino, a highly respected coach known for his tactical acumen and leadership. The tax return’s figures underscore the complexity and controversy surrounding Berhalter’s return and subsequent dismissal.
New Leadership and Success
The U.S. Soccer Federation has seen several significant changes in its leadership over the past year. JT Batson, who assumed the role of CEO in September 2022, received a total compensation of $831,890, including a base pay of $609,308 and a bonus of $155,932. His leadership has been pivotal in navigating the organization through a period of transition and turmoil. In November 2023, Emma Hayes was appointed as the new women’s national team coach, taking the helm in May 2024. Hayes’s appointment was celebrated as a major step forward, and she promptly led the U.S. women’s team to their fifth Olympic gold medal in the summer of 2023, solidifying her position as a key figure in American soccer. Her achievement is a testament to the federation’s commitment to finding the right leadership to maintain and enhance the team’s success on the international stage.
Notable Figures in USSF History
The tax return also included figures for two former USSF leaders. Hank Steinbrecher, who served as the organization’s secretary general from 1990 to 2000, was listed with a compensation of $940,848 for the fiscal year. Similarly, Dan Flynn, who succeeded Steinbrecher as CEO and retired in 2019, received $1,558,494. Both of these figures were categorized as "other reportable compensation" and "reported as deferred on prior" tax returns. These numbers highlight the long-term impact and contributions of these individuals to U.S. soccer, even after their active service has ended. Their continued involvement in various ambassadorial roles underscores the USSF’s appreciation for their past leadership and the enduring influence they have on the sport within the country.
Sporting Director and GM Compensation
Matt Crocker, who joined the USSF as sporting director in April 2023 and began his role in August of the same year, earned a total of $430,484. This compensation package included a base pay of $328,401, a bonus of $40,000, and a relocation payment of $40,000. Crocker’s hiring was seen as a strategic move to bolster the federation’s technical and strategic operations, particularly in the wake of the team’s disappointing performances. Meanwhile, Kate Markgraf, a former U.S. women’s national team defender, earned $361,265, including a base pay of $341,465. Markgraf announced her departure as women’s national team general manager in August 2023, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and service to the team and the sport.
Player Compensation and Financial Overview
The tax return also provided insights into the compensation of top players. Goalkeeper Matt Turner led the list of players with a total compensation of $524,696. Other players mentioned included midfielders Yunus Musah ($435,881) and Brenden Aaronson ($429,734), as well as defenders Antonee Robinson ($429,225) and Sergino Dest ($424,777). These figures reflect the USSF’s investment in talented players who are crucial to the team’s success. Financially, the U.S. Soccer Federation reported a revenue of $196.8 million for the fiscal year, a substantial increase from the previous year’s $149.2 million. This growth in revenue was accompanied by a slight rise in expenses to $190.9 million from $187.2 million, indicating the federation’s ongoing efforts to manage its financial affairs effectively. Additionally, the USSF paid $4,160,161 to Soccer United Marketing, an affiliate of Major League Soccer, for sponsorship agreements, and $3,123,211 to the law firm Latham & Watkins, likely related to various legal inquiries and settlements. These financial details provide a broader context of the federation’s operations and priorities.
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