US Soccer has finally released a statement regarding the ongoing second division split, and it doesn't involve either league (USL or NASL) being sanctioned.
While it's been longer in coming than many observers had hoped, and does not rectify a messy situation, USSF's statement does make it clear that they're not going to take the path of least resistance and sanction NASL, which seemed the logical choice.
US Soccer press release, which is also on the organization's site:
CHICAGO (Dec. 30, 2009) – The U.S. Soccer Board of Directors voted unanimously on Tuesday to not sanction either the USL or the NASL to operate a Division II professional league in 2010.
The decision was made on the recommendation of the Professional League Task Force, which determined that neither organization on its own was able to provide a viable and sustainable operation during the upcoming season. Both organizations were unable to meet U.S. Soccer’s requirement of a minimum of eight viable teams for 2010.
Despite the ruling, the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors has given both organizations seven days to try to work out an interim solution for the 2010 season.
“After carefully reviewing the findings from the Task Force it was clear there are still too many uncertainties for both organizations, which would be extremely difficult to resolve in a timely fashion that would allow them to prepare for the 2010 season,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “In the best interest of soccer in the United States, we decided to not sanction either league at this point. However, 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.”
A closer look at what this might mean, specifically the note that "both organizations were unable to meet U.S. Soccer’s requirement of a minimum of eight viable teams for 2010" despite appearances that NASL has enough clubs signed up, as well as the deadline given the two groups to reach to an interim solution to come here at later time (just don't have the time for it at the moment).
Discuss.
