Charlie Stillitano Decides Against Running for U.S. Soccer President

Charlie Stillitano, the chair of Relevent Sports who has become the best-connected American in European soccer, has decided not to run for U.S. Soccer president.

Charlie Stillitano, the chair of Relevent Sports who has become the best-connected American in European soccer, has decided not to run for U.S. Soccer president. Stillitano, who organizes the International Champions Cup summer preseason tournament in the U.S. for top European clubs, had been considering running in the election that will take place on February 10 in Orlando.

“It’s not the right time,” Stillitano told SI.com on Tuesday. “The presidency of U.S. Soccer should be a full-time job. Our company has really grown the past five years. I think we’ve turned a corner, but there’s still a lot more we want to do.

“I think I have some good ideas for U.S. Soccer, and I’m happy to share them with the candidates if they’re interested,” Stillitano added.

Two candidates, Boston-based lawyer Steve Gans and Western Massachusetts-based youth soccer director Paul Lapointe, have said they have the required three nominations to stand in the election. Former U.S. forward and current Fox Sports analyst Eric Wynalda has announced his candidacy, but has yet to confirm he has the required nominations in hand. Incumbent Sunil Gulati has yet to announce if he is running for a fourth term as president.