By Andrew Warshaw
December 16 – Ted Howard (pictured) is to become the new general secretary of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) replacing the outgoing Chuck Blazer, insideworldfootball has learned.
Howard, currently deputy general secretary and a fellow American, is due to take over from the high-profile Blazer – who steps down on December 31 – early in the New Year.
Although no official announcement has yet been made, informed sources say Howard has the backing of senior CONCACAF members and that his appointment was given the green light at a recent meeting attended by, among others, interim CONCACAF President Alfredo Hawitt of Honduras, Justino Compeán, President of the Mexican Federation of Football (FMF), Ariel Alvarado of Panama and Sunil Gulati, head of the United States Soccer Federation.
Howard’s appointment will maintain a strong American influence at the head of CONCACAF and will be a bitter blow to Caribbean members who hoped to regain a powerful voice following the resignation of former CONCACAF President Jack Warner over the infamous cash-for-votes scandal.
Blazer (pictured), the original whistle blower in the scandal, has allegedly himself been under scrutiny by the FBI but vehemently denies the allegations have anything to do with his decision to step down.
Howard has been involved with US domestic and international football for more than four decades but will have a tough job on his hands unifying all the factions within CONCACAF and helping to restore trust, especially after the controversial 2022 World Cup vote a year ago.
He admitted he was in the frame when contacted by insideworldfootball but declined to confirm he definitely had the job.
“I can’t confirm anything at this point,” said Howard.
“Everything has been set up so that there is a succession but nothing has been made public.
“I would certainly hope I’m being considered but it’s up to our Executive Committee.
“At the latest something will happen early in the New Year.”
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