MLS Re-Entry draft

[nolando]

I find it hard to understand all of the MLS rules and restrictions (it feels like an unnecessarily convoluted board game sometimes) - wouldn't these players just be free agents in another continent or sport? These players are essentially "out of contract", no?

Would they have been tied to their most recent club indefinitely under the old restrictions until another team wanted to compensate them for the said player? I don't quite get it but I get the sense that this has the potential to be quite interesting, doesn't it? How would it affect TFC, for instance?

The CBA provided players new rights depending on the age and years of service in the league. A player who is at least 23 years of age with three or more years of MLS service and an option that was not renewed by his club (23/3 player) or a 25/4 player with an expiring contract, are eligible to be part of the 2010 Re-Entry Draft.

All players, including Designated Players and players who have graduated from the Generation adidas program, will be included in this draft if they meet the age and service requirements.

The first stage of the Re-Entry Draft allows these 23/3 (options) and 25/4 (expiring contract) players to be made available to all other MLS clubs at the current option price or previous contractual salary. The order of selection by teams is based on reverse order of finish in the 2010 regular season, including the postseason.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/first-re-entry-drafts-scheduled-december

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

It's aimed at stopping players winding up in limbo in MLS terms as happened with Dave van den Bergh:

http://metrofanatic.com/story.jsp?ID=5318

[nolando]

It's aimed at stopping players winding up in limbo in MLS terms as happened with Dave van den Bergh:

http://metrofanatic.com/story.jsp?ID=5318

Thanks and wow - that sounds like the bad old days of pro sports. I'm glad this has been addressed.