United States Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said Thursday that the country's governing body will back presidential candidate Prince Ali bin Al Hussein in the wake of the FIFA crisis.
FIFA has been rocked after nine of its officials were among 14 individuals indicted Wednesday on charges of racketeering, conspiracy and corruption.
MORE: Putin says U.S. medding in FIFA affairs | Visa may re-evaluate sponsorship with FIFA
Many have called for FIFA leader Joseph "Sepp" Blatter's resignation amid the turmoil sweeping through world football's governing body, with UEFA president Michel Platini leading the charge ahead of Friday's election, while Football Federation Australia and the Canadian Soccer Association also plan to abandon the long-serving Swede.
U.S. Soccer will follow suit after Gulati — also a FIFA executive committee member — confirmed the USA will vote against Blatter, in favor of Prince Ali.
"We like many of the things he stands for and has done," Gulati told The New York Times.
"Being on the wrong side of an election result — if that's what happens — is not necessarily being on the wrong side. If you are serious about change, you have to be willing to push for it."
NBC Sports reported later Thursday that Blatter told Platini he was not stepping down.
The USA's stance could jeopardize the country's hopes of hosting a World Cup in the future, should Blatter be re-elected for a fifth term, but Gulati is willing to make a sacrifice for the greater good.
"Would I like to see the United States host a World Cup in the future?" Gulati said. "The answer is, of course, yes. But for me, and for U.S. Soccer, better governance and more integrity at CONCACAF and FIFA are far more important than hosting any international soccer tournament.
"I'm sure there are some people who would disagree with that decision and would prioritize things differently. But this is how we feel, and we are doing what we think is right.
"If being on the right side of issues costs us from hosting a World Cup in the future, that would be unfortunate. But we are prepared to deal with that."