MLS Deputy Commissioner & President Mark Abbott claims a new report from Deloitte about promotion and relegation in U.S. pro soccer has "serious credibility questions," according to Bob Williams of the London TELEGRAPH. Deloitte yesterday published a report which "laid out the benefits of introducing a pyramid system in the U.S." that is similar to what is used in many other nations. Deloitte Sports Business Group Head Dan Jones said in the report, "We believe the introduction of promotion and relegation into the existing league system could have numerous long-term benefits, including increased attendances, increased broadcast audiences, improved commercial revenue and a positive impact on both elite players and grassroots participants." Williams noted the report was "commissioned by Silva International Investments." The company is owned by Riccardo Silva, who also owns NASL club Miami FC and is a founding partner of media-rights firm MP & Silva. Abbott indicated that he believes the "fact that the report was paid for by an NASL team owner seriously undermines its findings." Abbott: "The report was paid for by an NASL owner with a vested interest in promotion. I think we have to look at it through that lens and recognise that there's some serious credibility questions with respect to the report itself." He added the report "ignores the really fundamental aspect of what is required to continue to grow professional soccer in the United States and that is the investment of hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars, in a wide range of programmes, infrastructure and initiatives." Williams noted Deloitte "did not contact MLS officials prior to publication of the report" (TELEGRAPH.co.uk, 11/21).
STOP, COLLABORATE & LISTEN: After withdrawing from the Copa Libertadores, Liga MX President Enrique Bonilla said that the league is "open to a potential new cup competition in collaboration" with MLS. Bonilla: "Mexico has wanted to do this for some years now, to have some type of tournament with the U.S. teams, but for now we will just have the CONCACAF Champions League." MLS Commissioner Don Garber in May said that he would "love" to organize a new tournament between the leagues to replace the SuperLiga, which featured four teams each from both leagues and ran from '07-10 while the CONCACAF Champions League developed (ESPNFC.com, 11/19).
