Sunil Gulati: USA Soccer president resigns

Dec. 5 (UPI) -- President Sunil Gulati has resigned from USA Soccer after serving at his post for a dozen years.

Gulati announced Monday that he will not run for re-election for the job.

"I spent a lot of time thinking about it and talking about it with people in many different positions -- many of whom told me I should run," Gulati told ESPN. "But in the end, I think the best thing for me personally, and for the federation, is to see someone new in the job."

Gulati retains his seat on the FIFA Council and serves as the chairman for the U.S., Canada and Mexico bid to host the 2026 World Cup. His spot with the FIFA Council is secured through 2021.

Candidates looking to serve as head of the federation must submit their nominations by Dec. 12. Gulati became U.S. Soccer president in 2006 and has run unopposed in his previous elections. On Saturday, sources told Sports Illustrated that Gulati "may support" Soccer United Marketing president Kathy Carter's candidacy for the post.

The field includes Kyle Martino, Eric Wynalda, Paul Caligiuri, Carlos Cordeiro, Michael Winowrad, Paul Lapointe and Steve Gans, according to Sports Illustrated. Gulati has yet to publicly endorse Carter, who officially announced her candidacy Tuesday morning.

"I'm excited to announce my candidacy for President of @ussoccer. Soccer can, and should, become the leading sport in America, and I intend to make that vision a reality," Carter tweeted. "Thrilled for you to get to know me and my vision for the game."