MLS rules benefit Toronto FC
December 18, 2007
NEW YORK (Ticker) - Toronto FC has been given additional roster flexibility under the new competition rules announced by Major League Soccer on Tuesday.
The league has redrawn its international players system, scrapping the distinction between senior and youth players, and adding slots for all teams.
Toronto FC has again been given more slots than the rest of the league, a recognition of Canada's smaller talent pool which limits the club when it is seeking to sign domestic players.
ADVERTISEMENT
Under the rules for the 2007 season, each team was allowed to have four senior internationals and three youth internationals on the roster. Toronto was given a exception, with seven senior slots and five youth slots.
Tuesday's announcement will see all MLS clubs given one extra slot for an international player, while Toronto's allocation will increase by two, although it will only be able to use the extra spots on American players.
MLS also confirmed Tuesday that, as expected, Los Angeles' Landon Donovan, Kansas City's Eddie Johnson and FC Dallas' Carlos Ruiz will not be considered designated players in 2008.
When the designated player rule was introduced last offseason, the high-salaried trio was "grandfathered", meaning their clubs did not need to use a DP slot to retain them.
After reviewing the arrangement, MLS has decided they will remain non-DP players, although the clubs must assume responsibility for the remainder of their salaries above the league maximum of $400,000.
