Ivan Gazidis' MLS Departure A "Landmark Moment" For The League

MLS Could Feel Gazidis' Absence From MLS In 2010 When Current CBA Expires

MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis' departure from the league to become English Premier League (EPL) club Arsenal CEO is a "landmark moment for [MLS], but it may be a while before we see just what impact Gazidis' departure will have on MLS," according to Ives Galarcep of ESPN SOCCERNET. Gazidis is "widely regarded as having been the soccer brains of the league operation since replacing current" U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati as Deputy Commissioner in '99. To some, Gazidis leaving MLS is a "major blow because he was considered the league's leading soccer mind." But to others, Gazidis leaving "won't have an impact because so many rules are in place to govern things such as player contracts and other transactions, that handling them isn't that complex." However, MLS "could definitely feel Gazidis' absence" in 2010, when the current CBA expires (ESPNSOCCERNET.com, 11/28).

SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS: In Toronto, Gareth Wheeler writes MLS is on the "right track, but is far from perfect." While "small changes are being made to the playoff system, roster composition and schedule for 2009, the changes are incomplete." In the future, a "makeover will have to take place to cope with league growth and to improve the product." Wheeler notes the league should "expand and strengthen the U.S. teams." The league also should "raise the salary cap" and "relinquish control of player contracts." MLS should "fully recognize FIFA's international calendar" and make "soccer-specific, grass stadiums mandatory." MLS also needs to "promote players other" than Galaxy MF David Beckham and "get rid of the playoffs and develop a relegation system." Finally, MLS "should look into establishing a second division" (TORONTO SUN, 12/1).

A WORK IN PROGRESS: In DC, John Haydon wrote MLS "deserves a little gratitude for closing out its 13th season with a fairly entertaining MLS Cup" on November 23. MLS "appears to have a stable future compared with past experiments with the game in this country." MLS teams are "constructing their own stadiums," and the "more soccer-specific stadiums that exist, the more the league will flourish as each team works to cultivate and solidify its fan base." However, the "bad news" for MLS is the 0.7 rating for the MLS Cup on ABC "showed MLS still has work to do" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 11/29).