A source with the USSF says that a definitive answer may not be available until next week, but some are suggesting that it indeed could be after the holidays. The Professional League Task Force is currently gathering and evaluating information from both groups. Another source was able to tell us that one committee has yet to see any documentation or be advised on the situation. This suggests that the process may not be as far as expected. I thnk everyone can agree
We have received information from multiple sources that the Cleveland City Stars have ceased operations and will not return to play professional soccer. This comes as quite a shock as positive news was heard yesterday. There are lot of unanswered questions at this point, but it is safe to say that this is disappointing news for players, staff, and obviously supporters. An official announcement from the City Stars organization is expected early next week. We did not want to publish this information early, but thought
Multiple sources suggest that the sale of the City Stars will be official sometime next week. We were told that it is “now in the hands of the lawyers” and should be wrapped up soon. Officials with the United Soccer Leagues declined to make specific comments on the matter, but did say an important update on the City Stars would be made available next week. Past comments from the club suggest the franchise will remain in the USL in some capacity. The City Stars have
We have been able to confirm that the City Stars have not changed ownership. Our sources tell us that there has been little movement recently and that talks have reached a standstill.
It appears that the rumor about the Battery moving to USL-2 is true after all. We heard this news several months back, but thought it was just that, a rumor. The Battery’s website mentions that only five clubs are now in USL-1 and Cleveland was not mentioned as one of those clubs. We have asked for clarification from the league office regarding this matter.
Several stories have surfaced regarding the Cleveland USL franchise. They range from a guaranteed drop to USL-2 or even dropping out of USL altogether. All sources point to a new ownership group bringing the club back in USL-1. We have been told that the new owners have “deep pockets” and are willing to spend money to improve the team. All indications suggest that the franchise will be run as a business with less emphasis on non-profit ventures. The league office is fully committed to
As we reported, a major announcement was expected this week and to our surprise we received two important press releases. Both can be seen below. Yet another press release is expected from the TOA as a whole within the next few weeks.
United Soccer Leagues issued the following elaboration regarding Wednesday morning’s CKAC Sports radio interview with USL CEO Alec Papadakis concerning the status of USL-1 teams. “While the statements made in the earlier interview are accurate in that we have ceased negotiations with the Team Owner’s Association (TOA) as a group, we remain in dialogue with certain individual TOA teams about their possible participation in USL-1 for 2010. We are open to the return of the Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps to
“Following the press release issued earlier by the USL, I would also like to confirm there are still ongoing talks between ongoing talks between the Montreal Impact and the USL,” declared Montreal Impact President Joey Saputo. “The negotiations are not over. We continue to work on various options, including the possibilitiy of seeing the Impact in the USL-1 in 2010.”