The National Soccer Hall of Fame released this week the names of all candidates eligible for election in 2024, including 16 former Sporting Kansas City players, two former members of the coaching staff, one current Academy coach as well as past owner Clark Hunt.
Five past players -- including Sporting KC II head coach Benny Feilhaber in his first year of eligibility and SKC II assistant coach Ike Opara in his first -- appear among the 40 individuals on the Player Eligibility List, while 14 other past players -- including Sporting KC assistant coach Kerry Zavagnin and SKC Academy U-19 head coach Lee Tschantret -- are among the 96 candidates on the Veteran Eligibility List. Hunt is among 38 other candidates on the Builders List.
PAST SKC PLAYERS ON PLAYER LIST
- Brad Davis (2016)
- Brad Evans (2018)
- Benny Feilhaber (2013-17, 2019)
- Eddie Johnson (2006-07)*
- Ike Opara (2013-18)
*Final year of eligibility; if not elected will move to Veteran ballot for 2024 election
PAST SKC PLAYERS/COACHES ON VETERAN LIST
- Chico Borja (Assistant Coach)
- Sean Bowers (1996-99)
- Jose Burciaga Jr. (2001-07)
- Mike Burns (2001-02)
- Jimmy Conrad (2003-10)
- Kevin Hartman (2007-09)
- Chris Henderson (1999-2000)
- Chris Klein (1998-2005)
- Frank Klopas (1996-97)
- Alan Mayer (Goalkeeper Coach)
- Mike Sorber (1996)
- Lee Tschantret (U-19 Head Coach)
- Josh Wolff (2003-06, 2008-10)
- Kerry Zavagnin (2000-08)
BUILDER LIST
- Clark Hunt (Former Owner)
The Hall of Fame’s Screening Committees will narrow the Player ballot to a 20-person final ballot and the Veteran ballot to a 10-person final ballot before they and other members of the Voting Committees vote on the final ballots, electing a maximum of six new Hall of Fame members for the 2024 election.
Player Eligibility List
In order to be eligible for election as a Player, an individual must be retired for at least three full calendar years, but for no more than 10 full calendar years, and have either:
- Played in at least 20 full international games for the U.S. Men’s National Team, Women’s National Team or Extended National Teams (Paralympic, Beach & Futsal), or
- Played at least five seasons in an American first-division professional league and been named to a postseason league All-Star team at least once.
Veteran Eligibility List
In order to be eligible for election as a Veteran, an individual must be retired for more than 10 full calendar years and have either:
- Played in at least 20 full international games for the U.S. Men’s National Team, Women’s National Team or Extended National Team (10 games if prior to 1990 or five games if prior to 1960), or
- Played at least five seasons in an American first-division professional league and been named to a postseason league All-Star team at least once, or
- Played at least five seasons in the Major Indoor Soccer League between the end of the NASL in 1984 and the end of the MISL in 1992 and been selected as a first-team all-star.
Builders Eligibility List
To qualify for consideration in this category, an individual must have left a distinct mark on soccer in a non-playing capacity and demonstrated a substantial, enduring and positive influence on the sport within the United States at the national or first-division professional level. Eligible candidates must be at least 50 years old and have demonstrated their significant contribution for a minimum of 10 years.
More Information
Complete information about the election and eligibility procedures is available online at NationalSoccerHoF.com. The election process is administered by National Soccer Hall of Fame staff under election and eligibility guidelines established by the Hall of Fame Board of Directors.
List of Eligible Player Candidates
List of Eligible Veteran Candidates
List of Eligible Builder Candidates
List of 2024 NSHOF Selection Committee Members
ABOUT THE NATIONAL SOCCER HALL OF FAME
The National Soccer Hall of Fame at Toyota Stadium opened to the public in Frisco, Texas, on Nov. 2, 2018, after calling Oneonta, N.Y., its home from 1983 through 2010.
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