While celebs in England (like Sting) show support for England’s 2018 bid, the US may have just bolstered their chances (for 2018 or 2022) by changing the MLS schedule next year, and Australia may have serious issues…
In news that every MLS and American soccer fan has been hoping for since the inception of MLS…
Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber announced today that for the first time in its history, MLS will not play League games during the group phase of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The group phase includes the first 48 games of the 64-game tournament that begins on June 11, 2010 in South Africa. The last MLS game prior to the World Cup will be played on June 10 and MLS will not schedule any additional League games until after the group phase concludes on June 25. MLS does not plan to schedule games on the days of either World Cup Semifinal nor the World Cup Final.
“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,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “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 2010 MLS Regular Season will again see each team play a 30-game regular season, followed by playoffs among eight qualifying teams. The 2010 season will begin with a single game March 25 and will conclude Oct. 24. The MLS Cup Playoffs will culminate in the championship match, MLS Cup 2010, on Nov. 21.
MLS plans to announce each club’s 2010 home opener in the near future. The complete 2010 MLS schedule will be announced early next year.
People will inevitable ask for MLS to not play during the entire World Cup, but this is a very positive step forward. Now if only we can hold off on MLS games on official FIFA World Cup Qualifier dates.
Baby steps…baby steps…
Drew Carey talks about the new ”Stick and Win - Write and Win” bumper sticker contest for the USA World Cup bid.
Hang out the (plastic St George’s cross) bunting, break out the (two for one) beer and pizza and unpack the new flat-screen TV. According to predictions from the British Retail Consortium, England’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup will boost the economy by more than £1bn in retail spending and could even help the country in its recovery from recession.
Every day between 10th – 29th September one lucky football fan will win a once in a lifetime trip to South Africa, including flights, accommodation and tickets to a FIFA World Cup group game. Altogether 20 pairs of tickets will be given away during the promotional period. (more…)
I posted about the tonal grey Nike Dunk Hi AC TZ a little earlier. Then I find this “oranje” pair that are called the Netherlands. This might be the first sneaker drop that is playing off the upcoming 2010 World Cup. Trust me when I say there are going to be a lot of sneakers and other products that will be released using the World Cup as a selling point. But I’m not mad at these. I think Nike should give these to the squad. Be kind of fresh to see a team rocking Dunks that was inspired by their country / national team.
Hit the jump for more images.
The former German National Team and Bayern Munich coach is not currently tied to any national team or club. Once heavily courted by the US, Klinsmann remains a figure of high interest across the globe.
With the World Cup less than a year away, the rumors about his future plans are beginning again…
Could be the best 9 minutes I’ve spent in front of the computer in a long, long time.
Seem about right to you? Less than a year away……
