U.S. Soccer is laying off staff members on Wednesday as the organization deals with the financial fallout of COVID-19 and amid the mounting costs of legal fees, according to multiple sources.



The layoffs come in conjunction with the decision to shut down the youth Development Academy, which is expected to be officially announced on Wednesday. The layoffs will include some Development Academy staff members as well as additional employees within the organization.



Sources declined to provide details on the layoffs, as some employees were still being informed of their status. A U.S. Soccer spokesperson declined to comment.



Like many businesses, U.S. Soccer is facing losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.



Under the USSF’s five-year plan, the federation’s reserve of around $120 million was expected to decrease to $40 million through fiscal year 2023. But that reserve was tied up in investments, according to the federation’s audited...