Statement Regarding Leadership Changes in Region I from the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors

STATEMENT REGARDING LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN REGION I FROM THE US YOUTH SOCCER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The leadership and Board of the United States Youth Soccer Association, Inc. (“US Youth Soccer”) takes their fiscal responsibilities very seriously, including their responsibilities for oversight and protection of the financial resources of the organization and the organization’s proper use of its membership dues and sponsorship support. Due to issues identified and apparent irregularities discovered as a result of the normal auditing process, the Board authorized an independent investigation of the matter by hiring outside legal counsel and a forensic accounting firm.

Pursuant to an audit of expenses and after receiving a final report from outside counsel, the Board conducted a hearing regarding the allegations, as required to assure the organization’s integrity and transparency. After the hearing and a decision by the Board in light of the evidence provided, US Youth Soccer and Mr. Robert Palmeiro ultimately reached a settlement of all claims to the mutual satisfaction of the parties. As part of that settlement, Mr. Palmeiro agreed to immediately resign his position as Regional Director and member of the Board of Directors and to a suspension of his membership in US Youth Soccer and its member organizations for a period of ten years, a multi-year suspension from US Soccer and its affiliates, and a repayment amount. Mr. Palmeiro is prohibited from having any involvement in US Youth Soccer or in any member organization of US Youth Soccer during this time. He will also cease any business interaction with US Youth Soccer or any of its member organizations.

US Youth Soccer has successfully navigated many challenges during its forty-year history. We will move forward and continue our mission to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America’s youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition.