ONEONTA, NY (October 19, 2009) - Four highly respected coaches and six nationally recognized administrators have been named to the Hall of Fame's Election 2010 Builder Ballot, the National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum announced today. The ten finalists are:* Bruce Arena, current coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy
* Chuck Blazer, FIFA Executive Committee Member General Secretary of CONCACAF
* Dr. Bob Contiguglia, past president of U.S. Soccer and U.S. Youth Soccer
* Tony DiCicco, current coach of the Boston Breakers
* Bob Gansler, retired U.S. National Team and Kansas City Wizards coach
* Don Garber, commissioner of Major League Soccer
* Francisco Marcos, president emeritus, Senior Director of International Development of the United Soccer Leagues
* Fritz Marth, past administrator of U.S. Adult Soccer Association
* Kevin Payne, president and chief executive officer of D.C. United
* Sigi Schmid, current coach of the Seattle Sounders FC
More detailed information about each builder candidate is available on the Hall of Fame's website at this address:
"What a truly outstanding selection of individuals," Hall of Fame President Jonathan Ullman said. "They represent some of the greatest achievements in soccer over the past two decades, from successes on the field in World Cups to the growth of the game at the youth, adult, and professional level. The voters will have a difficult decision in selecting the five candidates to place on their respective ballots."
Builder candidates are selected for the Final Ballot by the votes of the Builder Screening Committee, composed of 16 Hall of Famers. The committee selected candidates from the 59 eligible builders listed Preliminary Ballot. Thirty-four candidates received votes in the Screening Committee process. In a change from past elections, current rule require ten candidates to appear on the Builder and Veteran Player Final Ballots.
The final ballot will be distributed later in the month to all Hall of Famers and a select group of soccer administrators. To be elected to the Hall of Fame, the leading candidate must appear on at least 50% of ballots cast. Elections rules permit the election of two builders should the top candidates tie and meet the 50% standard. Announcement of results is planned for early next year.
Election 2009 saw no Builder elected to the Hall of Fame. Several Election 2010 finalists were also on that ballot with former U.S. National Team and current Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena receiving the most votes.
Bruce Arena 32 votes 47.80%
Bob Gansler 31 votes 46.30%
Francisco Marcos 26 votes 38.80%
Tony DiCicco 24 votes 35.80%
Chuck Blazer 18 votes 26.90%
Bob Contiguglia 17 votes 25.40%
Don Garber 16 votes 23.90%
Fritz Marth 12 votes 17.90%
Kevin Payne 12 votes 17.90%
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