U.S. Soccer Scandal and Investigation

A U.S. Soccer scandal has sparked an investigation that could have significant repercussions in the sport’s circles. On Tuesday, January 3rd, news broke that former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter was facing accusations of allegedly kicking his wife, Rosalind, in an assault that occurred outside a bar in 1991. The incident took place when Berhalter was 18, before he got married to Rosalind. This information was publicized by Berhalter himself as he claimed that an unnamed individual had reported the incident to the U.S. Soccer Federation during the World Cup, in an effort to ruin his career and have him fired. 

Statement about U.S. Soccer Scandal

The U.S. Soccer Federation responded with a statement of their own, in which they said they were investigating the allegations against Berhalter. They did not specify what the allegations were but only that they had hired Alston and Bird LLP, a law firm, to investigate the matter. The federation said they had received the accusations from an unnamed individual on December 11th. The federation also alleged that there was the possibility that their coaching staff members experienced unwanted or improper behavior from people outside the organization. 

The matter only became more shocking on Wednesday, January 4th when Danielle and Claudio Reyna, the parents of USMNT player Gio Reyna, confirmed that they had reported Berhalter’s alleged assault on his wife. The Reynas revealed the story of the alleged incident to U.S. Soccer Sporting Director, Earnie Stewart. Danielle claimed she made the revelation in an effort to prevent Berhalter from criticizing her son Gio, who allegedly had problems with Coach Berhalter during the Qatar World Cup.

Scandal Investigation Opened by Friends

It is alleged Berhalter went on to publicly criticize Gio Reyna’s behavior at the World Cup, at a leadership conference. The major twist in the tale is the fact that Reynas and Berhalters share very close ties. Claudio Reyna and Gregg Berhalter grew up playing football together, they were teammates on the national team and the former served as best man at the latter’s wedding. 

Danielle Reyna and Rosalind Berhalter were friends. “Rosalind Berhalter was my roommate, teammate, and best friend, and I supported her through the trauma that followed,” Danielle Reyna said about the incident. “It took a long time for me to forgive and accept Gregg afterward, but I worked hard to give him grace, and ultimately made both of them and their kids a huge part of my family’s life. I would have wanted and expected him to give the same grace to Gio. This is why the current situation is so very hurtful and hard.” 

Berhalter’s contract as coach of USMNT ended on December 31st, 2022. There were talks to extend it but those will be complicated by the pending investigation into his alleged assault on his wife. This situation has caused a stir due to the influence the people, families, and players involved have as well as their strong ties to U.S. Soccer. Nearly all the parties involved have been involved with U.S. Soccer in one way or another.