***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[scoobygang]

This guy was not even at the 18 yet. He said he saw the whole ball go over the line before my goalie punched it out. My guys went nuts and got in the guys face. I pulled them back and then had a civil conversation with him asking him if he felt he was in the right position to make that call. All he kept saying was that he was trying to get there as quick as possible. I didnt lose my mind because I knew that it wouldnt matter. It was just very disappointing to have a championship game end that way. On my way back to the bench, I told him he blew the offside call also just to make myself feel a little better

Seems to me that he has to make a call either way. It's one thing to say that a ref was out of position. It happens. I don't see how that implies that the call should go either one way or another. Would it be better if an out of position ref never called a goal on a ball that may (or may not) be over the line? Because that would screw the team that scored legitimate goals. I think the ref has to call what he sees, wherever he is.

 

[AcerFC]

This guy was not even at the 18 yet. He said he saw the whole ball go over the line before my goalie punched it out. My guys went nuts and got in the guys face. I pulled them back and then had a civil conversation with him asking him if he felt he was in the right position to make that call. All he kept saying was that he was trying to get there as quick as possible. I didnt lose my mind because I knew that it wouldnt matter. It was just very disappointing to have a championship game end that way. On my way back to the bench, I told him he blew the offside call also just to make myself feel a little better

Seems to me that he has to make a call either way. It's one thing to say that a ref was out of position. It happens. I don't see how that implies that the call should go either one way or another. Would it be better if an out of position ref never called a goal on a ball that may (or may not) be over the line? Because that would screw the team that scored legitimate goals. I think the ref has to call what he sees, wherever he is.

I understand that. I cant fathom how he could be sure from where he was standing. FWIW, the other team said no way the ball went in. Floppo, 2 refs

 

[El Floppo]

This guy was not even at the 18 yet. He said he saw the whole ball go over the line before my goalie punched it out. My guys went nuts and got in the guys face. I pulled them back and then had a civil conversation with him asking him if he felt he was in the right position to make that call. All he kept saying was that he was trying to get there as quick as possible. I didnt lose my mind because I knew that it wouldnt matter. It was just very disappointing to have a championship game end that way. On my way back to the bench, I told him he blew the offside call also just to make myself feel a little better

Seems to me that he has to make a call either way. It's one thing to say that a ref was out of position. It happens. I don't see how that implies that the call should go either one way or another. Would it be better if an out of position ref never called a goal on a ball that may (or may not) be over the line? Because that would screw the team that scored legitimate goals. I think the ref has to call what he sees, wherever he is.

I understand that. I cant fathom how he could be sure from where he was standing. FWIW, the other team said no way the ball went in. Floppo, 2 refs

Yeah- the play I was talking about I was actually in the box, or right outside... but there was no way I was making that call without being more sure of it. And your ref couldn't possibly ever be in the right place to make the call in a 2 ref setup- he just has ti rely on his judgement.Again- that offsides sounds more cut and dry... if the guy who scored was behind the GK, seems pretty obvious- unless there were two defenders behind that. I also remember botching an offsides that ruined a goal attempt- I called offsides when it quickly was clear it wasn't offsides. I felt crappy and had no idea what to do... ended up calling for a drop-ball, but didn't like that either (and still am not sure what the right thing to do would have been)

 

[B Maverick]

This guy was not even at the 18 yet. He said he saw the whole ball go over the line before my goalie punched it out. My guys went nuts and got in the guys face. I pulled them back and then had a civil conversation with him asking him if he felt he was in the right position to make that call. All he kept saying was that he was trying to get there as quick as possible. I didnt lose my mind because I knew that it wouldnt matter. It was just very disappointing to have a championship game end that way. On my way back to the bench, I told him he blew the offside call also just to make myself feel a little better

Seems to me that he has to make a call either way. It's one thing to say that a ref was out of position. It happens. I don't see how that implies that the call should go either one way or another. Would it be better if an out of position ref never called a goal on a ball that may (or may not) be over the line? Because that would screw the team that scored legitimate goals. I think the ref has to call what he sees, wherever he is.

I understand that. I cant fathom how he could be sure from where he was standing. FWIW, the other team said no way the ball went in. Floppo, 2 refs

Yeah- the play I was talking about I was actually in the box, or right outside... but there was no way I was making that call without being more sure of it. And your ref couldn't possibly ever be in the right place to make the call in a 2 ref setup- he just has ti rely on his judgement.Again- that offsides sounds more cut and dry... if the guy who scored was behind the GK, seems pretty obvious- unless there were two defenders behind that. I also remember botching an offsides that ruined a goal attempt- I called offsides when it quickly was clear it wasn't offsides. I felt crappy and had no idea what to do... ended up calling for a drop-ball, but didn't like that either (and still am not sure what the right thing to do would have been)

2 man system the ref should be closer to the last man and probably would never be on the endline. Unfortunately he had to make a call from where he was. The offside call should have been easy but too many people forget that the GK counts as one of the 2 defensive people so if he is out they forget its offside.

I see your guys are learning from Chelsea on how to deal with a ref...

 

[AcerFC]

I made sure to get them off the field. I told them regardless of what happened, you have to show class when you win and lose and that they were classless thugs going after the ref like that. If they learn one thing, hopefully they dont act that way again

 

[NewlyRetired]

There will likely be a bunch of Euro scouts in the stands tonight for the NY Dallas game tonight with good young talent like Shea, Agudelo and John on display.

Arsenal are scouting even Tim Ream tonight. From Ives:

According to reputable UK outlet The Independent, Arsenal has sent scouts to watch Ream in action during Wednesday night's MLS playoff match against FC Dallas. The Independent also states that the Red Bulls rejected Arsenal's bid of approximately $4 million for Ream this summer and he could be a candidate for a winter move to the Premier League.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I think it would be awful if DC United had to contract and the wording in this interview between Goff and Payne certainly is not going to put any minds to rest

===================

Today’s hot topics with D.C. United President Kevin Payne: the club’s financial challenges, the lease at RFK Stadium, the seemingly endless pursuit of a new venue, temporary stadium options, Baltimore’s interest, supporters’ anxiety, United’s diminishing place in the MLS hierarchy, owner Will Chang’s commitment and frustration.

What’s the state of the club’s finances?

“It’s a struggle for us here at RFK. We have the highest expenses and lowest revenue.”

Can you renegotiate the lease?

“We’re talking to EventsDC [which manages the stadium]. We’ve always had a good relationship with them. I think they recognize our situation. We’re hopeful we can reach an agreement that makes more sense and allows us to remain here. It’s about the amount we pay and the amount we make here. Compared to the average team in our league, the combination of expenses and revenue, we’re about $2.85 million worse per year: about $1 million more in expenses than the average MLS team and about $1.85 million less in revenue. It’s a lot of money.”

How long can you keep going at that rate?

“We can’t.”

What if EventsDC isn’t willing to alter terms of the lease?

“I don’t want to get into a confrontational thing in the media. I think they understand it’s not a sustainable business model for us and we’ll have to seek alternatives.”

What alternatives are there?

“You can name them.”

FedEx Field, Navy, Maryland, UVA, Baltimore...

“I don’t think UVA is an alternative.”

Have you had conversations with any of those “alternatives?”

“We’re doing what we need to do to make sure that we have a viable business going forward.”

Have the Redskins approached you or have you approached the Redskins?

“No, not that I’m aware of.”

The University of Maryland athletic department has a substantial operating deficit. Have you spoken to them about playing at Byrd Stadium?

“I’m not going to get into who we have or haven’t talked to.”

[sources tell the Insider that Maryland is aware of United’s situation and that “very informal and very preliminary” conversations have taken place. United wouldn’t move permanently into a university stadium but would explore a temporary option with a more favorable lease than RFK’s until a facility of its own is built.]

Where do things stand with Baltimore?

“We’re not hiding anything. We are trying to work through some issues with the District and we are having conversations about how to get something in the District, but we’re having those same conversations with Baltimore. I’m not sure I want to categorize it, but the state of Maryland, Maryland Stadium Authority and city of Baltimore know how to do this. They’ve done it successfully. They have a process. It’s a pretty straight-forward process.”

There’s a huge risk moving to Baltimore. You would leave behind most of your fan base and you would essentially have to start from scratch in a smaller market.

“If we get to that point, there certainly are issues for us to consider, but right now we’re trying to understand where the best stadium opportunity is for us — which locale is able to commit to us first.”

Fans are waiting. They’ve heard all the rumors, rumblings, false alarms. So should they expect something soon?

“I hate to put a date on things. It’s not like we’re not working on this, but it’s not easy. It’s complicated. And it’s not something that lends itself to being negotiated in the media. I know it’s frustrating for our fans, but trust me, it’s a lot more frustrating for us. We’re doing the best we can. We’re pushing as hard as we can. I think everyone is dealing in good faith. We certainly hope we have some resolution sooner rather than later, but I’m not going to put a time on it.”

You’ve been pursuing a stadium plan for a long time. Meanwhile, Houston’s stadium is going to open next year. Kansas City moved into a new stadium this year. Most of the teams around the league are playing in a new or renovated stadium. What makes this situation so different that you haven’t been able to get a deal done?

“We spent a lot of time and effort on Poplar Point [park land across the Anacostia from Nationals Park]. Through no fault of our own, the District and the federal government haven’t been able to reach agreement on the land transfer, so we had to start over again. We probably wasted time in Prince George’s County [Maryland], in retrospect, and then had to start over in D.C. At the same time, we were contacted by Baltimore. Houston spent quite a bit of time on it too and frankly the resources of AEG are the reason they were finally able to say, ‘We’re going to do it.’ We’re not in that position. We’re not Red Bull. We’re not Kansas City, which got public financing for their stadium.”

So have you lined up additional investors to join Will Chang?

“We are having conversations with several different groups or individuals about investment in the team. There is certainly a connection with a new stadium because nobody wants to buy into the team if we are going to remain here at RFK. The groups are all saying essentially, ‘We want to see that there’s a pathway to a stadium. We don’t necessarily have to have a deal done.’ We’re hoping we’re getting closer to that.

How many groups or individuals are you talking to?

“There are at least three conversations going on right now. They all have at least local ties. They’re not all 100 percent local.”

Wizards/Capitals owner Ted Leonsis’s name comes up every few years connected to D.C. United. Have you spoken with him?

“I’m not saying anything about who we are or aren’t talking to.”

Is Will Chang in this for the long haul or is he losing patience with the financial and stadium situation?

“I don’t think he’s very happy about what this is costing him. When I say things like ‘the current deal at RFK is unsustainable as a business,’ at the end of the business is a person who is writing big checks. There is a point at which he’s not going to write those checks.”

Have you gotten to that point?

“No, but we certainly have put a lot of strain on him. We want to relieve that. So I think Will is deeply committed to D.C. United – has been and is.”

There is a fear that, the longer this drags on with the lack of new investors and the stadium frustration, Will is going to say he’s had enough.

“That’s not something I am going to speculate about.”

So as far as you’re concerned, he is committed?

“I know he is committed.”

Everything seems to be moving in the right direction at the league level with new clubs, rising attendance, the new TV deal. Do you feel your club has fallen behind most of the others?

“I can understand why people would say that. We still do a lot of things very well. We still have an incredibly loyal fan base. There’s no question that the uncertainty about our stadium situation is really damaging. People would more readily accept RFK if they had a clearer idea of how much longer and what the future holds. It’s frustrating to be in this position. We certainly don’t think of ourselves as anything other than one of the top organizations in the league, but by some objective measures, right now we’re not.”

 

[The Z Machine]

Baltimore United?

 

[El Floppo]

There will likely be a bunch of Euro scouts in the stands tonight for the NY Dallas game tonight with good young talent like Shea, Agudelo and John on display. Arsenal are scouting even Tim Ream tonight. From Ives:According to reputable UK outlet The Independent, Arsenal has sent scouts to watch Ream in action during Wednesday night's MLS playoff match against FC Dallas. The Independent also states that the Red Bulls rejected Arsenal's bid of approximately $4 million for Ream this summer and he could be a candidate for a winter move to the Premier League.

Ream of this season is the perfect Arsenal defender. Passes the ball well and gives up goals by the buckets.

 

[The Z Machine]

Real Madrid is putting the hurt on Villarreal right now with 3 goals in 30 mins.

Ugh the yellow submarine have fallen apart and they look like a team in a deep depression.

Real has a sick goal differential in la liga with 31 scored and 6 conceded.

 

[derek245583]

Wolves didnt let as many in as United!!

 

[NewlyRetired]

There will likely be a bunch of Euro scouts in the stands tonight for the NY Dallas game tonight with good young talent like Shea, Agudelo and John on display. Arsenal are scouting even Tim Ream tonight. From Ives:According to reputable UK outlet The Independent, Arsenal has sent scouts to watch Ream in action during Wednesday night's MLS playoff match against FC Dallas. The Independent also states that the Red Bulls rejected Arsenal's bid of approximately $4 million for Ream this summer and he could be a candidate for a winter move to the Premier League.

Ream of this season is the perfect Arsenal defender. Passes the ball well and gives up goals by the buckets.

If the rumor is correct, I think that would have been a record transfer fee for an MLS defender.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Only 5 more days until a bunch of Fox channels, including FSC are taken off Direct TV.

 

[NewlyRetired]

MLS could be facing some weather issues in Colorado.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/sites/league/files/imagecache/620x350/image_nodes/2011/10/snow-at-dsg.jpg

 

[NewlyRetired]

No Agudelo in the starting lineup.

 

[NewlyRetired]

No team that has had a DP on its roster has ever won the MLS Cup that year.

7 of the 10 MLS playoff teams have DP's so this could change this year.

 

[theprince]

Only 5 more days until a bunch of Fox channels, including FSC are taken off Direct TV.

Grab UVerse. Love FSC HD!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Only 5 more days until a bunch of Fox channels, including FSC are taken off Direct TV.

Grab UVerse. Love FSC HD!

The only thing I will be grabbing is my ankles as I am on a contract with direct tv. Hopefully this won't end up like the Versus mess being off direct tv for 9 months. With the amount of stations affected I don't think this will last too long.

 

[NewlyRetired]

MLS could be facing some weather issues in Colorado.http://www.mlssoccer.com/sites/league/files/imagecache/620x350/image_nodes/2011/10/snow-at-dsg.jpg

Awesome cleanuphttp://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/166896_10150336094476091_11106436090_8676581_1581496240_n.jpg

 

[Steve Tasker]

Zach Loyd looks like he's in rough shape.

 

[Steve Tasker]

The Talisman...."cool as you like"

 

[NewlyRetired]

NY vs LA on Sunday, home and home.

Should be a fun match up. Hopefully Donovan and Keane will be ready.

They may have to juggle the schedule if they want this game on espn2 as the Philly Houston game is scheduled for ESPN2 at a time that overlaps the NY LA game.

 

[El Floppo]

MetroBulls

 

[El Floppo]

btw- I feel like I've seen Solli pick up a couple of red cards at exactly the worst moments for his team. Backe should hand him his ### in the lockerroom- no excuse for that kind of tackle when you're up a goal with 20 minutes to go.

Hopefully Rogers can play next week- or it might just be Agudelo up front with Henry with Richards pushing back to the MF (if Dax is really hurt).

 

[NewlyRetired]

They may have to juggle the schedule if they want this game on espn2 as the Philly Houston game is scheduled for ESPN2 at a time that overlaps the NY LA game.

Well that didn't take too long. League has moved the Philly game to 5:00pmDouble header on ESPN2 to show both games back 2 back

 

[El Floppo]

They may have to juggle the schedule if they want this game on espn2 as the Philly Houston game is scheduled for ESPN2 at a time that overlaps the NY LA game.

Well that didn't take too long. League has moved the Philly game to 5:00pmDouble header on ESPN2 to show both games back 2 back

The timing sucks (early in the playoffs), but MLS has to be happy they got the NY v LA matchup this year before some of these guys move on.

 

[NewlyRetired]

They may have to juggle the schedule if they want this game on espn2 as the Philly Houston game is scheduled for ESPN2 at a time that overlaps the NY LA game.

Well that didn't take too long. League has moved the Philly game to 5:00pmDouble header on ESPN2 to show both games back 2 back

The timing sucks (early in the playoffs), but MLS has to be happy they got the NY v LA matchup this year before some of these guys move on.

I agree. When the year started they probably had dreams of this being the MLS cup matchup, but this works as well since it gets 2 games. Only downside is that LA has the Wednesday game at home and their max attendance mid week during the college year is capped at 15k. It was part of the deal they signed when the built the complex.

 

[Sebowski]

They may have to juggle the schedule if they want this game on espn2 as the Philly Houston game is scheduled for ESPN2 at a time that overlaps the NY LA game.

Well that didn't take too long. League has moved the Philly game to 5:00pmDouble header on ESPN2 to show both games back 2 back

The timing sucks (early in the playoffs), but MLS has to be happy they got the NY v LA matchup this year before some of these guys move on.

I agree. When the year started they probably had dreams of this being the MLS cup matchup, but this works as well since it gets 2 games. Only downside is that LA has the Wednesday game at home and their max attendance mid week during the college year is capped at 15k. It was part of the deal they signed when the built the complex.

What are the chances those tickets going to be cheap and easy?

 

[El Floppo]

They may have to juggle the schedule if they want this game on espn2 as the Philly Houston game is scheduled for ESPN2 at a time that overlaps the NY LA game.

Well that didn't take too long. League has moved the Philly game to 5:00pmDouble header on ESPN2 to show both games back 2 back

The timing sucks (early in the playoffs), but MLS has to be happy they got the NY v LA matchup this year before some of these guys move on.

I agree. When the year started they probably had dreams of this being the MLS cup matchup, but this works as well since it gets 2 games. Only downside is that LA has the Wednesday game at home and their max attendance mid week during the college year is capped at 15k. It was part of the deal they signed when the built the complex.

What are the chances those tickets going to be cheap and easy?

The NY tickets are pretty cheap (60 or so for midfield primo seats) and probably pretty easy. I'm thinking about heading out there.

 

[NewlyRetired]

They may have to juggle the schedule if they want this game on espn2 as the Philly Houston game is scheduled for ESPN2 at a time that overlaps the NY LA game.

Well that didn't take too long. League has moved the Philly game to 5:00pm

Double header on ESPN2 to show both games back 2 back

The timing sucks (early in the playoffs), but MLS has to be happy they got the NY v LA matchup this year before some of these guys move on.

I agree. When the year started they probably had dreams of this being the MLS cup matchup, but this works as well since it gets 2 games. Only downside is that LA has the Wednesday game at home and their max attendance mid week during the college year is capped at 15k. It was part of the deal they signed when the built the complex.

What are the chances those tickets going to be cheap and easy?

The NY home game will be easier to get a ticket to but both games will sell out. The NY tickets run from 25 to 65. https://tickets.newyorkredbulls.com/Online/seatSelect.asp?BOset::WSadmissions::admission:erformance_id=8E35972D-AFCA-4F6B-A40E-F2E7F50FD332

The LA tickets run from 30 to 250. Not sure how the seating capacity reduction affects this. They will probably not sell any upper decks seats but I am unsure. http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2C00472794D43871&camefrom=AEGGALA_WGALALAX110311INT001

 

[NewlyRetired]

Now a triple header on Sunday

NY LA at 3 on ESPN2

Philly Hou at 5 on ESPN2

Col/Colu KC at 7 on FSC

 

[Tribulation]

Carling Cup action today. Arsenal was kind enough to allow Bolton a 1-0 lead before winning 2-1

If they let Arshavin play behind the striker and freely roam and create like he did against Bolton, I'd prefer they keep Arteta on the bench behind him. He was brilliant.Park was great too, and that finish was awesome.

 

[B Maverick]

Only 5 more days until a bunch of Fox channels, including FSC are taken off Direct TV.

Grab UVerse. Love FSC HD!

This sucks. Love DirecTV not as big a fan of Uverse. Had it about a year and was hoping to go back after my contract is up... But not if FSC is gone!Does anyone like Grant Wahl? His recent tweet was "It will never happen (i think), but how big would the global audience be if the Premier League used playoffs to decide a champion?"This rubbed me the wrong way and I am not sure why. Maybe because of the FA Cup and Champions League. Maybe because the US is really the only country that does playoffs like he is suggesting (that I know of)? Plus could it really increase globally when most are watching their own leagues? Seems kind of shortsided and to much based in American culture and not worldwide. Also, seems like Soccer internationally is the only true place where the "regular season" means something (College football is about the bowl games despite their claims a playoff would diminish the reg season importance.)Or maybe I am just easily annoyed this morning...Your thoughts?

 

[AcerFC]

They may have to juggle the schedule if they want this game on espn2 as the Philly Houston game is scheduled for ESPN2 at a time that overlaps the NY LA game.

Well that didn't take too long. League has moved the Philly game to 5:00pmDouble header on ESPN2 to show both games back 2 back

The timing sucks (early in the playoffs), but MLS has to be happy they got the NY v LA matchup this year before some of these guys move on.

I agree. When the year started they probably had dreams of this being the MLS cup matchup, but this works as well since it gets 2 games. Only downside is that LA has the Wednesday game at home and their max attendance mid week during the college year is capped at 15k. It was part of the deal they signed when the built the complex.

What are the chances those tickets going to be cheap and easy?

The NY tickets are pretty cheap (60 or so for midfield primo seats) and probably pretty easy. I'm thinking about heading out there.

I was thinking of going also. I just got an email from them.

 

[Eephus]

Does anyone like Grant Wahl? His recent tweet was "It will never happen (i think), but how big would the global audience be if the Premier League used playoffs to decide a champion?"This rubbed me the wrong way and I am not sure why. Maybe because of the FA Cup and Champions League. Maybe because the US is really the only country that does playoffs like he is suggesting (that I know of)? Plus could it really increase globally when most are watching their own leagues? Seems kind of shortsided and to much based in American culture and not worldwide. Also, seems like Soccer internationally is the only true place where the "regular season" means something (College football is about the bowl games despite their claims a playoff would diminish the reg season importance.)Or maybe I am just easily annoyed this morning...Your thoughts?

I think it'll eventually happen because there's too much money for it not to happen. It'll diminish the regular season and kill the FA Cup as we know it. I don't think it will replace the regular season championship, at least at the start. It'll be some kind of post season tournament that will award some other trophy. The biggest problem is where to fit an extra 1-2 weeks on the already ridiculously crowded calendar.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Does anyone like Grant Wahl?

Really like him. I think he is consistently the best US writer and has been for years now. Don't get too concerned about a random tweet, he was just making an observation is all. He was not in any way suggesting it will happen.

 

[B Maverick]

Does anyone like Grant Wahl?

Really like him. I think he is consistently the best US writer and has been for years now. Don't get too concerned about a random tweet, he was just making an observation is all. He was not in any way suggesting it will happen.

Oh i know it was a random observation, just struck a nerve for some reason. I personally hate the idea of an American style playoff in Europe. Not necessary and I do not think it will increase the global appeal. Might increase the American appeal though....

 

[NewlyRetired]

Does anyone like Grant Wahl?

Really like him. I think he is consistently the best US writer and has been for years now. Don't get too concerned about a random tweet, he was just making an observation is all. He was not in any way suggesting it will happen.

Oh i know it was a random observation, just struck a nerve for some reason. I personally hate the idea of an American style playoff in Europe. Not necessary and I do not think it will increase the global appeal. Might increase the American appeal though....

They already have playoffs in England in the Championship. Before we die, I could see something in the top flight especially as teams need new ways to generate revenue.

 

[NewlyRetired]

FIFA strikes again.

FIFA said it also chose Swiss-based agency Infront Sports and Media in a tender process to handle sales across 26 Asian territories including China and India.

"Infront offered the best package for this important and very complex project both in financial as well as marketing aspects,'' Niclas Ericson, FIFA's director of television, said in a statement released by Infront.

Infront has long been scrutinized by FIFA's critics.

The Zug-based agency has close connections to FIFA's discredited former marketing partner ISL, which went bankrupt in 2001 and is once more at the center of allegations regarding kickbacks paid to senior FIFA officials in the 1990s.

Ok probably not that condemning until you learn who runs Infront. Just some dude named Philippe Blatter.

 

[El Floppo]

FIFA strikes again.

FIFA said it also chose Swiss-based agency Infront Sports and Media in a tender process to handle sales across 26 Asian territories including China and India.

"Infront offered the best package for this important and very complex project both in financial as well as marketing aspects,'' Niclas Ericson, FIFA's director of television, said in a statement released by Infront.

Infront has long been scrutinized by FIFA's critics.

The Zug-based agency has close connections to FIFA's discredited former marketing partner ISL, which went bankrupt in 2001 and is once more at the center of allegations regarding kickbacks paid to senior FIFA officials in the 1990s.

Ok probably not that condemning until you learn who runs Infront. Just some dude named Philippe Blatter.

jeebus. I need to get a job with FIFA.

 

[Sebowski]

They may have to juggle the schedule if they want this game on espn2 as the Philly Houston game is scheduled for ESPN2 at a time that overlaps the NY LA game.

Well that didn't take too long. League has moved the Philly game to 5:00pmDouble header on ESPN2 to show both games back 2 back

The timing sucks (early in the playoffs), but MLS has to be happy they got the NY v LA matchup this year before some of these guys move on.

I agree. When the year started they probably had dreams of this being the MLS cup matchup, but this works as well since it gets 2 games. Only downside is that LA has the Wednesday game at home and their max attendance mid week during the college year is capped at 15k. It was part of the deal they signed when the built the complex.

Ticketmaster and mls.com has the LA-NY game for Thursday. Where did you hear Wednesday?

 

[Eephus]

FIFA strikes again.

FIFA said it also chose Swiss-based agency Infront Sports and Media in a tender process to handle sales across 26 Asian territories including China and India.

"Infront offered the best package for this important and very complex project both in financial as well as marketing aspects,'' Niclas Ericson, FIFA's director of television, said in a statement released by Infront.

Infront has long been scrutinized by FIFA's critics.

The Zug-based agency has close connections to FIFA's discredited former marketing partner ISL, which went bankrupt in 2001 and is once more at the center of allegations regarding kickbacks paid to senior FIFA officials in the 1990s.

Ok probably not that condemning until you learn who runs Infront. Just some dude named Philippe Blatter.

jeebus. I need to get a job with FIFA.

Blatter is a really common name

 

[B Maverick]

WORLD football chief Sepp Blatter is under pressure after it emerged he oversaw the award of a €350 million World Cup contract to a company part-owned by the firm his nephew runs.

Blatter, president of football’s governing body FIFA, heads the 24-man executive committee which awarded South Africa 2010’s 380,000-ticket hospitality contract exclusively to MATCH Hospitality in October 2007.

The firm, based in FIFA’s home city Zurich, was picked by the executive committee after a public tender.

It has emerged MATCH is part-owned by Swiss sports marketing company Infront Sports & Media, whose president and CEO is Philippe Blatter, nephew of FIFA president Sepp.

FIFA has confirmed president Blatter was partially involved in the decision to appoint MATCH, prompting criticism from politicians.

Infront, run by Ironman triathlon fanatic Phillipe, 45, owns "under 10 per cent" of MATCH and is now profiting from a staggeringly lucrative hospitality programme which FIFA say is the biggest in history.

On the basis that all 380,000 tickets are sold, MATCH would bank €350 million.

Rich fans and businesses are paying an average of €1000 per World Cup hospitality ticket – increasing up to nearly €4,000 for the final – for seats worth a face value average of €140 plus food, drinks, entertainment and parking.

MATCH had already earned €80 million in hospitality sales by November 2008 – almost covering the €90 million it paid FIFA for hospitality rights to the World Cup plus last year’s Confederations Cup and next year’s Women’s World Cup.

This is not the first time Sepp and Philippe Blatter’s working relationship has caused suggestions of nepotism.

Former FIFA secretary general Michel Zen-Ruffinen was ousted in 2002 after claiming Blatter steered €5.2m of work to consultants McKinsey & Co when his nephew was a partner there in his previous job. Blatter said all consulting work was bid for competitively, while McKinsey said Philippe was only peripherally involved in FIFA work. Prosecutors cleared Blatter of any criminal conduct after an investigation.

Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/kfauidojmhoj/rss2/#ixzz1c17rEw8p

 

[NewlyRetired]

They may have to juggle the schedule if they want this game on espn2 as the Philly Houston game is scheduled for ESPN2 at a time that overlaps the NY LA game.

Well that didn't take too long. League has moved the Philly game to 5:00pmDouble header on ESPN2 to show both games back 2 back

The timing sucks (early in the playoffs), but MLS has to be happy they got the NY v LA matchup this year before some of these guys move on.

I agree. When the year started they probably had dreams of this being the MLS cup matchup, but this works as well since it gets 2 games. Only downside is that LA has the Wednesday game at home and their max attendance mid week during the college year is capped at 15k. It was part of the deal they signed when the built the complex.

Ticketmaster and mls.com has the LA-NY game for Thursday. Where did you hear Wednesday?

i am an idiot. I knew it was Thursday and typed Wednesday. Sorry about that.

 

[NewlyRetired]

What makes this FIFA crap even more funny is that ol Sepp is about to unveil his grand plans to remove corruption from FIFA (unless that starts with chopping off his own head, I have no idea what good it will do).

Sadly I don't see how this ever gets fixed. I have to assume the only way to the presidency seat is via corruption which means the next puppet master will be as corrupt as his predecessors.

 

[NewlyRetired]

This rumor cracks me up. Imagine going from coaching one of the greatest collection of talent in the world to coaching the Revs? Lol

Dunga Interested in Revs Vacancy

10/27/2011

Following the expected vacancy at the helm of the New England Revs, there is a somewhat surprising application.

Sources have told Prost America, that former Brazil manager Dunga has declared an interest in the post.

Dunga’s agent has made initial inquiries on his behalf to a US based agent indicating that he is both aware of, and interested in the vacancy.

Dunga was fired from the Brazil national job after his country’s elimination by the Dutch in the World Cup quarter finals.

Steve Nicol left the post after ten years following a desperately poor season which saw them finish one place ahead of the bottom club, Vancouver Whitecaps.

Early press reports have suggested Jay Heaps and Steve Ralston to be the front runners for the post.

Dunga will have fond memories of the USA having played for Brazil when the won the 1994 World Cup, where he did as a player what he failed to do as a manager – beat the Netherlands in the quarter finals.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Trying to muster sympathy for Rossi injury...

Nope, can't get there.

 

[The Z Machine]

Trying to muster sympathy for Rossi injury...Nope, can't get there.

I didn't watch the whole RM / Villarreal game. Did he get hurt there?You should feel bad for his team, as he was the only player doing anything on the squad.Also my Patético team "went into a coma" and lost 3-0 in Bilbao. What the hell with those guys. Levante is top of the table right now...

 

[NewlyRetired]

Trying to muster sympathy for Rossi injury...Nope, can't get there.

I didn't watch the whole RM / Villarreal game. Did he get hurt there?You should feel bad for his team, as he was the only player doing anything on the squad.

I don't root for or against him, but I do follow him. IMO, health is going to be the only thing that keeps him from the title of best American born player ever IMO.

 

[scoobygang]

The reaction to Rossi's injury on SBI is horrible. From the same people who get excited every time we find a new "American" playing in the Bundesliga.