World Cup: MLS Expands Window For More Non-American Players

MLS To Grant Teams One More Roster Spot For Int'l Player During '08 Season

MLS teams for the '08 season "each will be granted one more roster spot to acquire another foreign player," and a "corresponding rule change will allow them to trade those slots, enabling a club to field an entire roster of non-Americans," according to Brian Trusdell of the AP. MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis indicated that it is "unlikely any team would employ an entirely non-American roster but said the changes were made for flexibility and to accommodate the addition" of the expansion Earthquakes next season. Gazidis said, "We believe we need to dip into the international market in the short term. ... Americans are and will be the backbone of the leagues. But I don't think I'm saying anything controversial when I say we don't believe the domestic talent pool is limitless. Every expansion is going to dilute talent, and that's not desirable for anybody"  (AP, 12/19).

ALL-STAR DISCUSSION: A source indicated that MLS is "involved in talks" with European soccer clubs Liverpool FC, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona to be the opposing team for the '08 MLS All-Star Game in Toronto. In Toronto, Cathal Kelly reports MLS "is targeting a Thursday in mid-summer, likely July 24 or 31," for the game (TORONTO STAR, 12/19).