December 30 – The Board of directors for the US Soccer Federation (USSF) has voted unanimously not to sanction the United Soccer League (USL) or the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 2010.
The vote came on the recommendation of the Professional League Task Force, which determined neither league would provide a sustainable operation during the upcoming season.
USSF president Sunil Gulati says there are “still too many uncertainties for both organisations” which are planned to operate below Major League Soccer (MLS).
The USL and NASL were unable to meet the minimum requirement of eight viable teams, and the board has given each seven days to work out an interim solution.
There is evident bitterness between the leagues and USL has filed lawsuits against three of the teams who have left their organisation for the NASL.
Gulati said: “After carefully reviewing the findings from the Task Force it was clear there are still too many uncertainties for both organisations, which would be extremely difficult to resolve in a timely fashion that would allow them to prepare for the 2010 season.
“In the best interest of soccer in the United States, we decided to not sanction either league at this point.
“We did encourage both leagues to come together in the next week and attempt to develop another plan which would allow a single league to be approved on a provisional basis.
“We are committed to finding ways to improve the long-term viability of all leagues and teams and continue the growth of soccer in the United States.”
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