Change in the works for MLS rosters

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This article was published 17/11/2010 (5800 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO — Major League Soccer is looking to level the playing field for its teams north of the border by amending the roster system Toronto FC played under before the expansion Vancouver Whitecaps start up next season.

Commissioner Don Garber offered few specifics beyond revealing that change is in the works during a state of the league conference call Tuesday, but did say he is working closely with the Canadian Soccer Association to ensure any move doesn’t hurt efforts to bolster the national team.

“We will likely change this rule for next year,” said Garber. “I’m hesitant to give any detail because we’re still in discussions with the CSA about what those changes will be.

“I believe we’ll change it, and those changes will help our teams be more competitive, and at the same time provide the CSA with whatever value they’re looking for to ensure we can help make the Canadian national team better.

“If we’re able to push through the changes that we’re looking for, it will set up the right environment for both Vancouver and Montreal.”

Under the current rules, the Whitecaps would have been able to sign a maximum of eight American and eight international players to their roster next season, using Canadians to fill out the remaining spots.

Format

Team can change the format via trade and that’s what Toronto FC did, finishing the 2010 season with five Canadians, seven Americans and 12 internationals on its roster.

A source with knowledge of the discussions said the MLS is looking at counting Canadian and American players under the same category for Toronto and Vancouver, allowing them to field up to 16 North American players. The plan would last five years, until the Canadian player pool can be deepened.

The CSA and MLS will meet this weekend to further discuss the matter, general secretary Peter Montopoli said through a spokesman, and Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi, a former national team coach, described the negotiations as “something that will require a little bit of give and take on both sides.”

Lenarduzzi, added however, the best solution was to become self-sufficient in producing Canadian players.

“We’re taking the long-term approach and that is we want to play as many Canadians as possible, but we want to play the Canadian players that are capable of playing and not play them simply because the quota suggests that’s what we have to do,” said Lenarduzzi.

— The Canadian Press