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In wake of Reyna-Berhalter feud, US Soccer Federation discussing rule to curb parent pressuring
More than 10 months after the Reyna family pressured U.S. Soccer Federation staff to give more playing time to Gio Reyna at the World Cup, the team has not yet adopted rules to prevent similar lobbying
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — More than 10 months after the Reyna family pressured U.S. Soccer Federation staff to give more playing time to Gio Reyna at the World Cup, the team has not yet adopted rules to prevent similar lobbying.
“That’s something that U.S. Soccer leadership is discussing, and as of now, nothing’s been put in place,” coach Gregg Berhalter said Monday, a day ahead of the Americans' exhibition against Ghana.
Gio Reyna didn't play in the Americans' World Cup opener against Wales on Nov. 21. The following day, the midfielder's father, former U.S. captain Claudio Reyna, sent a text message to then-USSF sporting director Earnie Stewart, according to a report last March for the federation by the firm Alston and Bird.
“What a complete and utter ... joke," Claudio Reyna texted. "Our family is disgusted in case you are wondering. Disgusted at how a coach is allowed to never be challenged and do whatever he wants.”