Tim Pernetti Hired By New NYC Soccer Team

Former Rutgers University Athletic Director Tim Pernetti has a new job with the expansion Major League Soccer team coming to New York City.

The New York FC (Football Club) has hired Pernetti as the team's Chief Business Officer for MLS' 20th expansion club that is a joint venture between England's Manchester Football Club and the New York Yankees.

“I feel truly privileged to have been appointed to this position and to play a key role in building this Club from its infancy. I relish the opportunity to be part of a global organisation, and also to use my experience to create a first class Club for New Yorkers and one in which they will always have a voice. This is a tremendously exciting time for all involved and interested in soccer in New York and beyond.” said Pernetti of his new position.

NYC FC CEO Ferran Soriano says he hired Pernetti for his "extensive experience" in New York sports. "He fits perfectly within our organization, adding different skills and talent to our existing international management group. He is the ideal person for this role and we very much look forward to the contribution that he will make.”

Wyckoff-born Pernetti will begin immediately. NYC FC will begin play in the 2015 season, joining the New York Red Bulls, who play in Harrison, as the metropolitan New York area's second MLS team. The team is looking to build a new stadium in Queens on the Flushing Meadow property that once hosted the 1939 and 1964 Worlds Fair.

Pernetti served four years as Rutgers' athletic director before being forced to resign in April for his handling of a scandal involving basketball coach Mike Rice, who verbally abused his players.

The popular Pernetti suspended and fined Rice, also forcing him to undergo anger management. University president Robert Barchi fired Rice after viewing films of the abuse four months later and then forced his athletic director to step down.

The Associated Press contributed to this report