Public Statement

The document below is the official Public Statement from Daniel Arriero, prepared with the guidance of legal counsel specializing in nonprofit law.
It summarizes the governance and compliance concerns that have been formally referred to appropriate state and local oversight agencies for independent review.

This statement reflects the ongoing effort to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to California nonprofit law and federal 501(c)(3) standards.
It does not allege wrongdoing by any individual, and all matters remain under review by the proper authorities.

In accordance with counsel’s advice, the underlying demand letter submitted to the Board of Directors and oversight agencies is not being published. The version below provides the approved public summary of those issues for community awareness and integrity.

Public Statement from Daniel Arriero

Prepared with the guidance of legal counsel specializing in nonprofit law
 

October 2025

For several years, I served the Gold Country Soccer League (GCSL) community as a parent, coach, board member, and treasurer. During that time, I gained a deep respect for the families, volunteers, and players who dedicate themselves to youth soccer and to the positive values it represents.

Consistent with my fiduciary responsibilities as a former officer of a California nonprofit organization, I raised a series of concerns regarding governance practices and financial management within GCSL. Those concerns have been documented and formally referred to the appropriate oversight agencies for independent review.

I am currently working with a law firm specializing in nonprofit governance and compliance to ensure that these matters are addressed responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with California Corporations Code requirements for charitable organizations. The firm’s guidance has emphasized the importance of pursuing accountability through proper legal and regulatory channels while avoiding speculation or public accusation.

Concerns Raised in Counsel’s Correspondence

In my attorney’s correspondence to the current board, the following concerns were identified, with a demand that they be addressed—many of which raise potential issues under the California Corporations Code, the Internal Revenue Code, and other laws applicable to nonprofit corporations.

1. Oversight of Compensation and Reimbursements

Certain reimbursement and compensation practices were implemented without full board authorization or adequate documentation. These actions are inconsistent with California nonprofit law and IRS standards governing private benefit and inurement.

2. Expense Documentation and Internal Controls

Reimbursement requests were found to lack adequate supporting documentation, emphasizing the need for stronger expense-verification and approval procedures. These gaps highlight a larger issue of insufficient internal controls.

3. Financial Access and Safeguards

Shared use of organizational debit cards created unnecessary risk and made tracking expenditures difficult.

4. Board Conflicts of Interest

At times, a majority of board members also held paid positions within the organization. While these arrangements may have been well-intentioned, they created conflicts of interest inconsistent with the independence required by California nonprofit law.

5. Governance Procedures and Member Participation

In early 2024, bylaw amendments were adopted without the notice and transparency required under governing documents and the Corporations Code.

6. Related-Party Transactions

A transaction involving the sale of equipment to the organization was not properly documented or vetted for potential conflicts of interest, also a violation of California law and the Internal Revenue Code.

7. Hiring and Selection Integrity

Concerns were raised about the fairness of certain hiring processes in which sitting board members were candidates.

8. Program Spending and Accountability

Certain professional-development expenses exceeded the organization’s operational needs and did not yield the promised community programs.

9. Financial Planning and Transparency

Approximately $300,000 was accumulated for a potential property purchase without clear communication to members or professional feasibility analysis.

10. Governance Culture and Protection Against Retaliation

Some board actions were taken without proper notice or quorum, and when those concerns were reported, the board’s response resulted in retaliation.

This statement is not intended to allege wrongdoing by any individual.

It is a reaffirmation of my commitment to lawful and ethical stewardship of community-based nonprofit resources and to restoring public confidence in the organizations that serve our youth.

As the oversight process continues, my focus remains on encouraging constructive solutions, transparency, and a renewed culture of integrity within community sports programs.

For inquiries, please contact: Daniel Arriero

Dan_Arriero@yahoo.com