MLS Will Suspend Play During '10 FIFA World Cup In South Africa

Garber Says Several MLS Players Will Play In World Cup With Their National Teams

MLS yesterday announced that it will suspend play during a World Cup for the first time next year when it pauses from June 10-25, 2010. The suspension ensures the league will not play during the tournament's group phase. MLS also plans not to schedule games on the days of the World Cup semifinals or final. MLS has faced criticism from fans and media in the past for playing during the World Cup, and FIFA President Sepp Blatter has encouraged the league to move to an international calendar that does not conflict with the World Cup. MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a statement said, "The decision to stop League play during the group phase of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is part of MLS' commitment to deepen its connection with the millions of soccer fans in the United States and Canada. The World Cup will be a focal point for all MLS fans and several MLS players will compete with their national teams at the tournament." The league has not announced whether it will start its season earlier because of the change. It will end the season with a championship match on November 21, approximately the same time MLS Cup has been played the last several years (Tripp Mickle, SportsBusiness Journal).

MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: In L.A., Grahame Jones wrote suspending play is "one of the smarter decision[s] the league has made in its 14 seasons." The "only reason that MLS would not shut down for the entire World Cup, which runs through July 11, was because of scheduling needs for the 2010 season, which will open March 25." Recent moves now "bring MLS closer in line with leagues around the world and can only be viewed as a positive step by fans" (LATIMES.com, 9/16). In N.Y., Jack Bell wrote the decision by MLS is "another step toward reinforcing its place among the global family of soccer nations" (NYTIMES.com, 9/16).