Askinas quitte la USL, Holt nouveau VP.

[François]

Askinas departing USL
President Marcos returns to more active role, Holt promoted to VP
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Friday, October 1, 2004

TAMPA, FL - United Soccer Leagues announced Friday that Chief Executive Officer Dave Askinas is resigning effective immediately.

"This was an extremely difficult decision, but in the end the desire to seek new challenges, travel less and devote more time to my family was paramount," said Askinas. "The decision was made more difficult by my relationships with the wonderful staff at USL and all the terrific people around the leagues. Everyone has touched and enriched my life in so many positive ways. I will truly miss the friendships I have formed in the beautiful game."

"Dave has contributed greatly to USL's advancement since serving as general counsel since 1994 and coming on board as associate commissioner in 1997," said USL founder and President Francisco Marcos. "Dave is a great friend to me and many on the staff of USL and its teams and will be missed by all. We wish him the best of luck in the future."

USL's executive management will see few changes with Marcos returning in a more active role and with Tim Holt being promoted to Vice President. Holt served as Director of League Operations in 2003 and has been Director of A-League Operations since 1999.

"USL remains strong and in capable hands with Tim Holt stepping up in a new leadership role," added Askinas. "I have the utmost confidence in Tim's abilities to carry on the important business of USL. Francisco will also take a more active role to add the necessary touch of experience and vision. There will be a seamless transition in leadership. There are great things ahead for the league and I will be watching excitedly from the touchline to see those developments."

"I welcome the opportunity to help maintain USL's position as a leader in the development of North American soccer at all levels of the game and appreciate the confidence shown in my abilities by both Francisco and Dave to handle the organization's day-to-day operations," said Holt. "With the support of our very capable and experienced office staff, we expect a smooth transition following Dave's departure."

"I am glad to be returning to a more hands-on role," said Marcos, who took a year-long sabbatical in 2001 and has spent much of his time in Portugal since. "While we are doing some internal assessing of where we currently are on and off the field and where we want to take things, we are excited about the opportunities USL has for the future.

"I look forward to leading USL with Tim by my side. He has proven to be a wonderful asset to the organization and I am confident he can help guide us onto greater things."