Rothenberg Becomes Head of U.S. Soccer

Alan Rothenberg, capitalizing on the influence of international soccer’s governing body, became the president of the U.S. Soccer Federation Sunday by soundly defeating Werner Fricker, who had held the position for three terms.

Rothenberg’s election, which had the support of many of soccer’s most powerful figures, was viewed as a signal that the USSF’s vast membership was dissatisfied with Fricker’s administration. Fricker, 54, had been in charge since 1984.

There was much discussion as to the role that FIFA, which governs the sport on an international level, played in Rothenberg’s election. Rothenberg acknowledges FIFA officials urged him to run. It’s also clear that FIFA did not support Fricker’s candidacy. FIFA has long been concerned about the USSF’s failure to aggressively market soccer and about the poor performance of the U.S. national team.

Rothenberg’s victory, coming only 10 days after he announced his candidacy, came in overwhelming fashion on the first ballot at the group’s annual convention, which ended Sunday. The votes were divided among three groups: youth, amateur and professional, with each having a weighted number of votes. Rothenberg received 343.9 votes (59%), Fricker 169.66 (29%) and Paul Stiehl, the former treasurer, 69.2 (12%) from among the 583 delegates.

Rothenberg’s term will run four years, through the 1994 World Cup, which will be held in the United States. Previously, the president’s term was two years but because the USSF wanted continuity going into the World Cup a bylaw change was made.

When the results were announced, the packed ballroom erupted into cheers, momentarily breaking the tension that had been nearly palpable since the meeting began early Sunday morning.

Rothenberg, 51, has been portrayed as a soccer outsider and a “big-shot opportunist” during the heated campaign. Although he was commissioner of soccer for the 1984 Olympics and part owner of the L.A. Aztecs of the now-defunct North American Soccer League, Rothenberg has fought the label that he has no ties to the sport in this country.

He not only enjoyed the support of FIFA officials but also such soccer stars as Pele and Kyle Rote, Jr. Former national team captain Rick Davis delivered Rothenberg’s nominating speech.

The campaign was bitter. Late Saturday night delegates found a copy of a 1986 newspaper article that was critical of the Clippers management team, including Rothenberg, under their hotel doors. No group admitted responsibility.

The vote came after a lively discussion on the floor, beginning with a seemingly theatrical move by Stiehl. He broke in on the nominating process and said he had an important announcement.

Speaking in measured and at times dramatic tones, Stiehl told the membership: “Hold onto your seats.”

He said he received a phone call at 6:20 a.m. Sunday from a FIFA official, who offered a job in return for throwing his support to Rothenberg. Stiehl said he then met with Fricker and they agreed that only those two were qualified to be the group’s president.

“What I am trying to tell you is that we are in the process of a hostile takeover. . . . There are those among you who are not really part of the family,” Stiehl said. “This electoral process has been obstructed, and it has been obstructed for a long time. We will never, ever surrender our federation. We will never, ever sell our ballots at any price.”

Stiehl said later that the call came from Guido Tognoni, the FIFA press chief. Tognoni could not be reached for comment at FIFA headquarters in Zurich Sunday.

After Stiehl’s speech many of the delegates cheered.

Rothenberg, standing with his supporters in the back of the room, said privately, “I didn’t realize I was T. Boone Pickens.”

Rothenberg may have benefited from the acrimonious struggle between Fricker and Stiehl--former friends who have been at odds since 1988. By distancing himself from their battling and by running a campaign that was not critical of them but positive about his own qualifications, Rothenberg kept himself above the conflict.

Rothenberg’s corporate image was in sharp contrast to Fricker’s cool reserve and Stiehl’s bombastic approach. This endeared Rothenberg to the professional soccer faction, which apparently voted as a bloc for Rothenberg, possibly giving him the election.

It was thought that with the presidency, Rothenberg would also be named chairman of the board of directors of the 1994 World Cup Organizing Committee. However, Fricker, who has held the position for two years, said he was on the board as an individual--not as USSF president--and that he would not step down.

Fricker was in a somber mood after the election, saying he had no regrets and was not surprised. He expressed concern that the organization might be dismantled by the new power group. “I hope that what has been developed and built over the last six years will not be torn down too quickly,” he said.

Regardless, Rothenberg will have tremendous input in the 1994 World Cup organizing effort, a key component of his campaign.

The status of other appointed positions is unclear. Among those is Bob Gansler, coach of the national team.