Minnesota United news
St. Paul City Council approved another $4 million dollars in funding for infrastructure around the Allianz Field site. The additional money will fund a Great Lawn park and a surrounding walkway, additional funds for a shared storm water district, three new city blocks, and changes to a few roadways. The agreement to spend the additional $4 million bumps spending above prior budgeted expenses by $2 million.
Fans looking for a deal on MNUFC gear this holiday season can check out Minnesota United’s pop-up-shop at the Mall of America. The shop will include items previously only found at season ticket holder events and at home matches this past year. The temporary store can be found on the West side on the second floor and will remain open until February 9, 2018. Shoppers should also take note of MNUFC’s announced deals for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and a 2018 Home Opener deal including a special PK Loon ornament.
Minnesota United also announced some key upcoming dates for their offeason including the expansion draft for LAFC, the SuperDraft and schedule release, and a new secondary jersey reveal.
Club announcements
North Carolina FC announced today that they are leaving NASL for the USL and will begin play in 2018. Team owners cited USL’s stability and growth in recent years combined with the mission to play at the highest level possible as reasons for making the move.
Real Salt Lake announced today that they will be joining the National Women’s Soccer League in 2018. Salt Lake will field a team in the spot previously held by FC Kansas City. Kansas City is essentially moving to Salt Lake City and Real Salt Lake will take on the current roster.
Lastly, the Women’s Premier Soccer League is gaining a new club from Fargo, ND. Dakota Fusion FC will join the WPSL and begin play in May 2018.
International soccer news
The field for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is now set with Peru and Australia winning their playoffs with New Zealand and Honduras respectively. FIFA released the final seeding and pots today in advance of the group draw set for December 1 in Moscow.
CONCACAF announced today a new international competition among member nations which will start in September 2018. The CONCACAF League of Nations will divide all 41 member nations into three tiers featuring performance prizes as well as promotion and relegation between the tiers. More details are expected to be announced in early 2018.
Former Argentinian business man Alejandro Burzaco implicated Fox Sports and other international media outlets claiming they paid bribes in order to enter the South American soccer market. Earlier this year, Alejandro Burzaco plead guilty to participating in international money laundering in funneling money from Argentinian marketing businesses to the former head of Argentina’s soccer federation. Fox Sports has denied knowledge of such bribes and stated they had no direct control over Burzaco’s company Torneos y Competencias, previously a subsidiary of Fox Pan American Sports.
News bits
- The USSF and NASL are rumored to be in settlement talks to grant NASL Division 2 status for the next three years under certain conditions.
- While a few stars from MLS may have their options rejected by their clubs this offseason, Paul Tenorio of FourFourTwo.com explains how league rules make big salary free agents not-so-free.
- Dan Hoffay, Director of Player Personnel at Stockade FC located in Kingston, New York, is aiming to end Pay-For-Play in its new youth academy project.
- U.S. Soccer is reportedly exploring hosting an exhibition tournament with other teams next summer that also won’t be playing in the World Cup in Russia.
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