MLS introduce new transfer legislation

Major League Soccer (MLS) has unveiled the rules that will govern transfers and player rights for the competition's tenth season ahead of the new campaign. The new legislation addresses areas such as squad size, contractual differences between senior and youth players and limits placed on the number of international players allowed at each club. The different ways a team may acquire players are also covered, including allocations - where a team is awarded a player for various reasons for example due to expansion status - discovery signings - players found after a squad is selected - and the Superdraft. Allowances are made for 'extreme hardship' call-ups and season-ending injury replacements. Methods of releasing players have also been discussed, such as players who are released, contract renewals and transfers or loans to teams outside of the MLS. The MLS transfer windows, which run from 1 January until 31 March and 15 August to 15 September, were also on the agenda. "At a time when many soccer leagues are becoming less competitive, MLS remains a league unique in the soccer world in that each team has an equal opportunity to compete on the field regardless of the wealth of the owner or whether they are located in a large or a small market," said MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis.