Mike Miller
A long suffering fan of Canadian soccer since 1971 when I started
attending games of the Montreal Olympique of the pre-Pelé NASL.
Toronto FC 2008
Understanding MLS roster rules and regulations is much like trying to hit a moving target in a heavy fog. Then add on the extra twists that exist for the roster rules for TFC and most fans are left confused.
In 2007, USA based teams were allowed to carry four senior internationals and three youth internationals [players 24 years-old or younger]. TFC was allowed seven senior Internationals [three of whom had to be American] and five youth internationals.
If TFC had signed twelve internationals to the senior roster as allowed by the rules, that would have left room for six Canadians on the senior roster. Note: TFC traded Jose Cancela to Colorado for a sixth youth slot which they never used.
TFC ended the season with eight Canadians on the senior roster and another eight on the developmental roster. Since the end of the season nine of the sixteen Canadians on the season ending roster are no longer with the team.
Seven have been waived, one was taken in the expansion draft by San Jose and the loan of Kenny Stamatopoulos from Tromso (Norway) has not been extended. As TFC and Tromso have not be able to agree on a transfer fee Stamatopoulos’ rights have reverted to Tromso.
MLS has recently announced roster rule changes for 2008 that has left observers perplexed on how this will impact the TFC roster.
The MLS rule changes now allow USA based teams to carry eight international players with no distinction between senior and youth internationals.
The same rule change simply mentioned that TFC would be allowed to carry an additional two internationals but that they would have to be American.
One interpretation would be that TFC would have to carry only two Canadians on the senior roster;
- 8 Internationals allowed for all teams
- 2 Additional Americans
- 3 Americans allocated to the team in 2007
- 2 Additional Youth International slots allocated to the team in 2007
- 1 Youth International slot obtained from Colorado through to the 2009 season
This scenario would mean that Mo Johnston could sign 16 non-Canadians to the roster. Another interpretation would mean that the TFC roster criteria would remain basically unchanged from last season;
- 8 Internationals allowed for all teams
- 2 Additional Americans
- 1 Youth International slot obtained from Colorado through to the 2009 season
This scenario would please those who feel that TFC should be giving every possible opportunity for Canadian players to develop. And then again with the fog surrounding most MLS rules maybe it is none of the above.
Tune into the Footy show on The Score on Friday at 6:30, with guest Paul Beirne, Director, Business Operations of TFC. Maybe he can bring some clarity to the issue.
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