Watch CBS News

Player Mutiny Not Behind Firing Of Team USA Women's Soccer Coach

(AP) U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati is dismissing the idea that any sort of player mutiny led to the firing of women's coach Tom Sermanni.

The USSF fired Sermanni on Sunday, hours after an exhibition victory over China in Commerce City, Colo. The surprising move came just 16 months after he was put in charge.

Gulati says there is ongoing dialogue with players on the country's national teams. He says it's important that players buy in to the direction of the team, and there were some concerns about that with Sermanni.

The federation will begin looking for a new coach immediately, with the women's World Cup coming up next year.

Jill Ellis, the USSF's director of development, will serve as interim coach.

Copyright 2014 by The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of  The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.