The American Football Federation announced on Tuesday that it had opened an investigation targeting national coach Gregg Berhalter, after the latter’s revelations concerning violence committed against his girlfriend, who has since become his wife, more than thirty years ago. Berhalter himself recounted the facts in a long message posted on Twitter, following the blackmail of an “individual” seeking to “bring about the end of [sa] collaboration with US Soccer,” he wrote.
The 49-year-old technician said he was 18 at the time, a freshman in college and had been dating for four months when he hit his girlfriend during a an evening at a bar. “Rosalind and I had a heated argument that continued outside,” he said. It got physical and I kicked him in the legs. It was a shameful moment, which I still regret today. There is no excuse for my actions that night. »
Informed, the American Federation will have to determine if Berhalter can remain in office. “We appreciate that Gregg and Rosalind have come forward to speak openly about this incident,” the body said, adding that it “condemns all forms of violence and takes these allegations very seriously.”
Change for 2026?
US Soccer also said he was looking into “potential inappropriate behavior towards several members of our staff, by people outside our federation”, leading to possible blackmail exercised on Berhalter. “We take this type of behavior seriously,” the body added.
The case, dating back more than 30 years, comes to light as US Soccer conducts a comprehensive technical review of the national team, following a creditable run at the World Cup in Qatar. In 2026, USA will co-host the next World Cup with Mexico and Canada. Team USA’s next fixtures are January 25-28, with home friendlies against Serbia and then Colombia.