In a significant decision, members of U.S. Soccer voted to introduce a $150,000 annual stipend for the position of president. The vote, which took place at the annual general meeting (AGM), saw 80.88 percent of members present supporting the proposed amendment to the relevant bylaw.

Currently, the position of USSF president is unpaid, which has raised concerns regarding the president's ability to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the role while also needing alternative sources of income to fulfill their duties.

This issue was previously addressed at last year's AGM, where a similar amendment proposed a $125,000 yearly payment for the president. However, the proposal failed to meet the two-thirds requirement, receiving only 62.87 percent approval.

Opponents of the amendment who spoke at this year's AGM expressed concerns about jeopardizing U.S. Soccer's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. They argued that if the position demands full-time commitment, it should be reevaluated to reduce its strenuous nature.

Juan Uro, an independent director with USSF, passionately advocated for the amendment, stating that legal consultations and an analysis of labor laws confirmed there were no obstacles to compensating the president for their duties. Responding to those who compared U.S. Soccer's operations to organizations like the Mayo Clinic or the Red Cross, Uro emphasized that U.S. Soccer had its unique demands and that a paid president was essential for working with counterparts worldwide.

Uro also addressed arguments surrounding the prestige of the position, noting that compensation was necessary to attract highly qualified candidates who could enhance the federation's performance and reputation. Additionally, providing financial support would ensure greater accessibility for a diverse pool of candidates who might not have personal resources to work without pay.

To make an informed decision, Uro incorporated feedback and consulted with legal professionals. He even employed the assistance of artificial intelligence, using a chatbot like ChatGPT to assess whether the U.S. Soccer Federation president should receive payment.

The introduction of a $150,000 annual stipend for the president demonstrates U.S. Soccer's commitment to recognizing the significant time, effort, and responsibility associated with the role. It aims to promote the federation's performance, attract high-caliber leaders, and ensure a more inclusive selection process for potential candidates.

This change marks a significant step forward for U.S. Soccer and will likely have a lasting impact on the future of the federation's leadership.