'scoobygang said:
I just don't see where it's FIFA's obligation to use its World Cup rights to leverage more attention for MLS. I'm fine if FIFA thinks that's the smartest move (I'm not sure I agree, but I don't have strong feelings either way). But I certainly don't see it as "screwing" MLS.
1) In 2005 Fifa flat out rejected the NBC bid because they ignored the local domestic league. Fifa set a precedent that was very clear at that time and reopened the bidding to which ESPN won when they added an 8 year MLS contract to the deal2). FIFA most certainly is obligated to help FIFA sanctioned leagues when ever they can IMO. They should not be around just to accept bribes and expand their bank accounts.
3) If and only if FIFA chose Fox over the other two
just because of money, then yes, they screwed the local domestic league based on their own precedence they set on the last go around.
The hidden factor to all of this is we have no idea what Fox promised to Fifa regarding MLS/US Soccer and may not know for up to 3 years. Hopefully Ives and or Wahl can dig the information out quickly.