MLS

Gulati hired to manage New England Revolution.

Brian O'Donovan, the Revolution's general manager, was promoted to chief operating officer and will hold overall responsibility for the business operations and development of the Revolution and soccer at Foxboro Stadium.

"Thanks to our fans, the New England Revolution has established itself as an institution in the region," New England investor-operator Jonathan Kraft said. "In Sunil, we feel we have the person in place to reward those fans with a winning team. There are very few individuals who have the same level of background in both the American and global aspects of the sport. He is the most qualified person to make our ventures in soccer successful on the field.

"Sunil will also help us explore investment opportunities on the international scene and represent Kraft Soccer Properties on the MLS Board of Governors. Sunil and Brian complement each other's strengths and have worked together in the development of soccer in this country for many years. Both of these appointments are extremely positive steps."

Gulati, 40, has been intricately involved in the rise of soccer in the United States. Until he was fired early in the 1999 season, Gulati served as the MLS deputy commissioner from the league's inception in 1995, responsible for all player-related issues, including player acquisition and player development.

Prior to that, Gulati was executive vice president and chief international officer for World Cup USA '94.

"Sunil Gulati's passion for the game and tireless work ethic will undoubtedly be valuable contributions to the Major League Soccer family," said Don Garber who took over as MLS commissioner from Doug Logan, who engineered Gulati's ouster. "His efforts with MLS and toward the development of soccer in this country have been invaluable. I look forward to working closely with him in his role with Kraft Soccer and as a member of the league's Board of Governors."

Gulati currently serves as managing director of the United States Soccer Federation's Project 2010, is a member of both the U.S. Soccer and U.S. Soccer Foundation boards of Directors. He also served on the Women's World Cup '99 board of directors.