The mooted Major League Soccer strike has been averted just days before the beginning of the new season.
There had been some trepidation as to whether or not the season would kick off in time after members of the MLS Players' Union had voted for strike action unless a new Collective Bargaining Agreement was brought in. After their previous ‘CBA’ concluded at the end of last year, players were keen for a new one covering five seasons and allowing for more freedom of movement within MLS and guaranteed contracts, among other things, to be drawn up.
It had looked like that might not happen but MLS commissioner Don Garber and MLSPU executive director Bob Foose have confirmed that they have come to an agreement that, in principle, sees a new CBA commencing with the 2010 season and continuing through to December 31, 2014.
Everton’s hopes of seeing Landon Donovan return for an extended spell on loan at the club from LA Galaxy had already been declared dead, though some fans were still hopeful that the strike would see him return. However, USA striker Donovan himself had joined the talks.
And he was quoted as saying: "We have a deep appreciation for the commitment shown by the owners both historically and through this process to make MLS one of the top leagues in the world."
Foose said: "The Union is happy with this agreement as it addresses the core issue of players' rights and we look forward to working co-operatively with the League going forward."
Garber added: "This new agreement allows us to work with our players to continue our mutual efforts to build the sport of soccer in North America.
"We worked hard during the past few months to develop a new agreement that addressed many of the players' most important issues and look forward to a meaningful and productive new relationship over the next five years.''
Philadelphia Union take on the Seattle Sounders in the first game of the new MLS season on Thursday.