Tuesday, August 18, 1998
U.S. federation holds
By Al Chase
big meeting on Maui
Star-BulletinUnited States Soccer Federation president Alan Rothenberg will preside over his final USSF annual general meeting this week, a historic gathering in that it's the first one ever held outside the continental U.S.
Some 800 people, including 500 delegates, are expected to attend the three-day meeting at Maui's Aston Wailea hotel Thursday through Saturday.
Major business decisions for the delegates include the naming of a new USSF president to replace Rothenberg, who is stepping down after his second four-year term, and voting on a new constitution.
Larry Monaco, from the District of Columbia/Northern Virginia area, and Robert Contiguglia, from Denver, are in a battle to replace Rothenberg.
USSF deputy executive director Bob Black said a new constitution is necessary to satisfy certain demands made by the U.S. Olympic Committee.
"From this standpoint, it's a very big meeting for the delegates," Black said.
It is expected a new coach will be named for the national men's team before the annual meeting concludes.
Black would not speculate on a new coach. Rothenberg said shortly after the World Cup he wanted a new coach named before his term as president was up.
Newly elected FIFA chairman Sepp Blatter and former Olympian Donna DeVarona, chair of the 1999 Women's World Cup, are attending the meeting.
The Hawaii Soccer Association is hosting the event.
USSF general secretary Hank Steinbrecher met with local soccer officials on Oahu yesterday. He said he would like to have the U.S. national teams train here that qualify for the 2000 Olympics in Australia.
