Set Piece Analysts Podcasts: USL/NASL/TOA Situation
On Wednesday, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) announced that neither the NASL nor the USL has been approved for play as the second division of soccer in the United States, rejected the NASL petition for certification while simultaneously (functionally) revoked USL-1’s sanctioning. In a statement released by the governing body, president Sunil Gulati said there were too many “uncertainties” surrounding each league and prescribed a seven day period for the two sides to work out a compromise and appeal to the USSF. In the interim, much of North America has lost a football league.
Official Response: USSF | USL | NASL
SPA Coverage, Audio: In a series of podcasts recorded and distributed on Wednesday night, Richard Farley interviewed a number of leading figures who have been following this story (as well as our own Set Piece Analysts):
Round-table: Krishnaiyer, Quarstad, Vázquez | Krishnaiyer, as the news broke |Kristian Vázquez, on the Puerto Rico Islander-implications | Duane Rollins, on Montreal and Vancouver’s perspectives | Daniel Feuerstein, on Crystal Palace Baltimore’s view | SPA Johnathan Starling | SPA Brian Zygo
Hard Ball!!!! And a great move on the part of MLS and USSF. The CBA expires 01.31.10 and the Players union will have no response to this move. This is a great reminder that Professional Soccer and sports in general is a business first. I really hope it all works out and we have 1st and 2nd division soccer in 2010, but the owners have to make money.
The first thing that has to happen is the USL has to drop their lawsuits. Even if that happens do not expect anything to be accepted by USSF from USL and NASL until after 1.31.10. This is where it will start. I have no idea where it will end, but I hope St. Louis is not left in the dark and without a team. American Soccer needs a team in St. Louis.
The owners are playing a role .
We ,the fans are blogging and making our voices heard.
The player are next to act!!!
I hope the players understand the importance of this moment and not only think about their interests,wich are very valid,but that they see the bigger picture;the good of our game.
Union is power. If owners,fans and players push toghether we could make the unthinkable happen. A REAL SOCCER LEAGUE IN AMERICA.
In order for that to happen,USSF has to be drastically restructure.There is no way around it!!