Unless the FMF has announced some new measure, the old hand-me-down rules are still in effect: if Tigres make the final, they drag in the top team from the Clausura regular reason (or the second, if they're playing the top team in the Final). Ditto América, if they lose the Clausura final; if they were to win it, OTOH, the hand-me-down ticket would go through the Apertura table to Tijuana (or Pachuca, if América beat Tijuana in the final). On another note... If Real Estelí pulls off the double (Apertura + Clausura), Walter Ferretti are guaranteed the last berth for Nicaragua.
Was this consultation with MLS for this upcoming new CCL format or for when the CCL introduce the original current format back in 2008? Regardless, as far as what months were considered in the 'spring', I assume both the CCL committee and MLS knew February was part of that when it was consulted with MLS so yeah, if they preferred spring, then yep, they have to live with it. Thanks for the reminder on what clubs participate in the Copa MX; I forgot that they didn't include clubs participating in the Copa Libertadores. Hopefully, clubs from Liga MX will return to Copa Libertadores play as soon as 2019.
IMHO, in order to have the most recent 'qualified' champions to participate in both the latest CCL and Copa Libertadores, they should change the qualifying method to the following: 2019 CCL (Second Phase) 2018 Clausura Champion & Runner-up 2018 Apertura Champion & Runner-up Now, as you probably know, this ignores the Champion and Runner-up of the 2017 Apertura season. The FMF (Mexican Football Federation) would need to come up with a solution to take them into account for the qualifying process for the 2019 CCL. My suggestion would be to have (besides the 2018 Apertura Champion & Runner-up) only the 2017 Apertura Champion and 2018 Clausura Champion qualify to the 2019 CCL. What about the Runners-up? Since they are already accustomed to qualify for an international competition, this is where I would suggest a spot (for this scenario only since Whatever the solution would be, it would be just for this one time as everything would fall into place for the subsequent CCLs (i.e. Second Phase of the 2020 CCL would only have the Champions and Runners-up of the 2019 Clausura & Apertura season.) 2018 Copa Libertadores 2017 Apertura classification table best team not qualified for 2015–16 CONCACAF Champions League
IMHO, in order to have the most recent 'qualified' Mexican clubs in both the latest CCL and Copa Libertadores, they should change the qualifying method to the following: 2019 CCL 2018 Clausura Champion & Runner-up 2018 Apertura Champion & Runner-up Now, as you probably know, this ignores the Champion and Runner-up of the 2017 Apertura season. The FMF (Mexican Football Federation) would need to come up with a solution to take them into account for the qualifying process for the 2019 CCL. My suggestion would be that along with taking into account the 2018 Apertura Champion & Runner-up, you would have either 1) only have the 2017 Apertura Champion and 2018 Clausura Champion qualify to the 2019 CCL, or 2) determine a winner between the 2017 Apertura Champion and the 2018 Clausura Champion and between the 2017 Apertura Runner-up and 2018 Clausura Runner-up. Both winners would join the 2018 Apertura Champion & Runner-up as the 4 qualifying clubs for the 2019 CCL. Whatever the solution would be, it would be just for this one time as everything would fall into place for the subsequent CCLs (i.e. the 2020 CCL would only include the Champions and Runners-up of the 2019 Clausura & Apertura season.) 2018 Copa Libertadores 2017 Apertura Season (the qualifying method would be the same as the one used previously): The 2 best clubs in the regular season that did not qualified to the 2018 CCL. The winner between the 2017 Supercopa MX champion and the Apertura 2017 Copa MX. This qualifying method would be used just for this one time as everything would fall into place going forward. In subsequent 'revised' Supercopa MX finals, it would be between the Copa MX winner of the Clausura and Apertura within the same year. (i.e. both the Clausura and Apertura 2018 Copa MX winners would play each other in the 2018 Supercopa MX to determine the 3rd allocation for the 2019 Copa Libertadores). Although this is doable, I doubt any changes that resembles this would happen but it makes sense to have the best clubs at the moment representing the nation in international competition... just as how MLS plans to do so by making the necessary changes that you mentioned below. Although this is an okay solution (it'll get the job done), in order to make things interesting/crazy and have clubs have something to play for late in the season (could make things more interesting for fans as well), I would have the Supporters' Shield and opposite-conference regular season winners for both seasons thrown into the mix somehow... maybe something as crazy as what I suggested above for the Mexican side or something more simple. By the way, as crazy as my suggestions are, they were implemented in other leagues. Not all at the same time in one league but some ideas for one season in one league and other ideas in another league. For example, the soccer league in Bolivia (nation where I come from) is currently going through a major change in the format of both it's 1st and 2nd Division, the league will go from Clausura and Apertura seasons to a year long season, expand from 12 clubs to 14, make changes to relegation and promotion, modify the qualifying method for both the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, and take into account as well the format changes made by both 'Copas', which includes having a club only qualify for either the Libertadores or Sudamericana.
Welcome back, breh. Been a long time. I agree that LMX needs to rejoin the Lib Cup next year, 2018. They have absolutely no excuse not to. Don't know what they're waitin for. As soon as the new return to CCC format was announced, it freed them up for the reinstatement.
Welp...color me shocked: if the TV networks that have football in their pocket say that it can't be done by next year, it can't be done. 2019 it is...
Hey man, what's up! Yep, it's been a long time. I stumbled upon this thread and didn't realize I landed in your territory. hehe. Thanks to Paul's post above, it looks like we now know why they won't be returning next year. I know it's pretty much set in stone, but I have a feeling with the help of the soccer gods, they may still have a shot for 2018. It's probably just wishful thinking though...
Costa Rican league is lunatic. Teams could play up to 56 league games in a season. Question: why is there need for two championships per year in Latin America? Why is there need for playoffs in both of those championships? I always wondered about that, but never asked no one though.
Because playoffs are goldmines - higher TV ratings, better attendance, greater media and public interest over do-or-die encounters (esp. when rivals run into each other in the postseason). On another note: the Wikipedia page for this tournament includes the teams in Central American leagues that won the full-year table without the Apertura title among the qualifiers; I've hesitated to do the same here because of our previous experiences with figuring out which Central American leagues gave preference to runners-up and which didn't.
Adding to what Paul said, the Apertura and Clausura give teams that don't historically do well (i.e. are always near the bottom) more of a chance to turn things around if it goes sour early and fast. That being said, the two tournaments also make for virtually almost every game to be more important for every team. Because there are fewer games, that means fewer points to win and since relegation is based on points won over games played, teams must treat each game twice as important since it's a "reduced" 2 tournament year-round cycle. But in the end, just as Paul mentioned above, I also agree that it's mostly done for financial reasons, especially those leagues that include playoffs. However, regardless of having the playoff format or not, having 2 seasons in one year means new designs on jerseys twice a year. And not just jerseys but other related merchandises as well, which means more sales. Having said all that, because of the year-long format change with Copa Libertadores (with Copa Sudamericana having the same format change and a direct relationship such as the Europa League has with UEFA Champions League), I think those South American leagues that have Apertura/Clausura will eventually switch to one year-long tournament. My country, Bolivia, is currently going through that transition process and I think it will benefit the league (for both the 1st and 2nd division) in the long run on both a performance and economic level.
So here's an unequivocal update: the 2017 Nicaraguan Clausura final will be between Real Estelí and Walter Ferretti. Whether or not FENIFUT gives preference to the best runner-up, Walter Ferretti finished second in the full-year table and will get the hand-me-down spot if they fail to win this current championship. Also, going back over the rest of Central America: as Alianza finished runner-up in the Apertura and won the full-year table, they're also guaranteed at least a hand-me-down spot; they'll shoot for the direct CCL berth when they face Isidro Metapán in the semifinals, while defending champs Santa Tecla take on Águila. We'll also throw in Municipal from Guatemala and Plaza Amador in Panama, who come with similar credentials (Apertura runner-up + full-year table winner). On the other hand, Olimpia could give us headaches in Honduras: they won the full-year table, but failed to make the Apertura final. So, what happens if they fall in the Clausura semis against Honduras Progreso? Would HON3 go to them or to the Clausura runner-up (all four semifinalists finished better in the full-year table than Apertura runner-up Platense)? On another note: anyone know if there's an update on the Guatemala suspension (i.e. if there' a timetable for FIFA to lift it)? 2018 CCL Qualifiers 1. FC Dallas [USA] 2. Colorado Rapids [USA] 3. New York Red Bulls [USA] 4. Tigres UANL [MEX] 5. Club América [MEX] 6. Seattle Sounders [USA] 7. Deportivo Saprissa [CRC1] 2017 Play-In Qualifiers 1. Árabe Unido [PAN1, PAN2 or PAN3] 2. Real Estelí [NCA] 3. Antigua GFC [GUA1, GUA2 or GUA3] * 4. Santa Tecla [SLV1, SLV2 or SLV3] 5. Motagua [HON1, HON2 or HON3] 6. Belmopan Bandits [BLZ] 7. Herediano [CRC2 or CRC3] 8. Municipal [GUA1, GUA2 or GUA3] 9. Plaza Amador [PAN1, PAN2 or PAN3] 10. Alianza [SLV1, SLV2 or SLV3] 11. Walter Ferretti [NCA] * Assuming FIFA suspension lifted in time
If I remember right, the last I heard back in November was that the hold-up was with Guatemala's Congress, which was in recess and would approve the necessary measures for giving control of the Federation back to the FIFA Reform Committee when they reconvened early this year.
The question is moot now: according to La Nación, CONCACAF already informed UNCAF and the Costa Rican federation that Guatemala are out of the next CCL for failing to meet the deadline to get the suspension lifted, and that Costa Rica have been awarded the GUA1 direct berth in the CCL proper. This will fall to Herediano unless Santos de Guápiles or Limón win the Torneo de Verano. In addition, Alajuelense are in thanks to their performance in the full-year table. No word yet about what will happen with the GUA2 and GUA3 tickets to the play-in tournament, but I'd bet serious money on those going to Honduras and Panama...which means that Tauro FC are in as well (Olimpia still hinging on whether Honduras gives preference to runners-up or not. 2018 CCL Qualifiers 1. FC Dallas [USA] 2. Colorado Rapids [USA] 3. New York Red Bulls [USA] 4. Tigres UANL [MEX] 5. Club América [MEX] 6. Seattle Sounders [USA] 7. Deportivo Saprissa [CRC1] 2017 Play-In Qualifiers 1. Árabe Unido [PAN1 or PAN2] 2. Real Estelí [NCA] 3. Santa Tecla [SLV1 or SLV2] 4. Motagua [HON1 or HON2] 5. Belmopan Bandits [BLZ] 6. Herediano [CRC2 or CRC3] 7. Plaza Amador [PAN1 or PAN2] 8. Alianza [SLV1, SLV2 or SLV3] 9. Walter Ferretti [NCA] 10. LD Alajuelense [CRC3 or CRC4] 11. Tauro FC [PAN1, PAN2, PAN3 or PAN4]
correct: http://www.espnfc.us/canada/story/3122014/plans-for-new-canadian-premier-league-approved "Guatemalan clubs will be banned while its federation is suspended from FIFA, with Panama and Honduras instead gaining extra spots in the preliminary tournament, and Costa Rica given a second reserved spot in the Champions League." http://www.concacaf.com/article/details-revealed-for-newly-launched-scotiabank-concacaf-league "For the 2017 SCL [the newly-titled Scotiabank CONCACAF League], Panama and Honduras will each enjoy an additional berth to the tournament, filling the two spots reserved for Guatemala clubs. The vacant position in the 2018 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League reserved for the Guatemalan champion will now be occupied by a second Costa Rican club."
Boom goes the dynamite Mind you, CONCACAF didn't really provide that many new details today, other than what happened with Guatemala's CCL berths and the official (lazy, incredibly lazy) name of the play-in tournament: the CONCACAF League. Here's hoping they call it Concaliga in Spanish, 'cause that actually rolls off the tongue better
CONCACAF League - no league play CONCACAF Champions League - no league play I still don't get it. It's obvious they are copying UEFA's competitions. But go with groups then. UEFA didn't call their cup-only competitions "Leagues", FFS! Also, I noticed they are yet to publish their league rankings as they said they will do it "in coming weeks" months ago.
Hasely Crawford Stadium will host the CFU Club Championship from Sunday May 14 through Sunday May 21. Wikipedia says the draw for the CONCACAF League will be on May 31.
OMG, last week I suggested they name it CONCACAF League in another thread! We did it again, Paul, we influenced CONCACAF!!! If whoever used my suggestion is reading this, please PM me for paypal instructions, I expect a reasonable compensation.
The big activity this weekend is the ongoing Clausura playoffs in Mexico and Central America, along with the final round of the CFU Club Championship kicking off tomorrow in Trinidad and Tobago...but it's worth noting that the first round of the Canadian Championship wrapped up in midweek, with Ottawa Fury winning 3-2 in Edmonton to take the series 4-2 on aggregate. They'll now face Toronto FC in the semifinals, while the Montreal Impact take on the Vancouver Whitecaps. It has to be said, the absolute highlight of the play-in round is right here. Skip to 1:03:44 if it doesn't go automatically...
Jesus, there were few similar goals in last weeks. One in Netherlands, one in LMX, one in some Croatian lower league...
Plenty to go through after a busy weekend throughout the region, so let's get right to it: Mexico - The Clausura semifinals are set. Club Tijuana vs. Tigres UANL Chivas de Guadalajara vs. Toluca FC The first series guarantees a return to the continental stage for the Xolos, as they topped both the Apertura and Clausura regular season tables to get first dibs on a hand-me-down spot if Tigres or América reached the Clausura final. El Salvador - The Clausura final will be a rematch from the last tournament, with Santa Tecla taking on Alianza; mind you, El Salvador's automatic berth is still up for grabs, with Santa Tecla's Apertura title up against Alianza's superior full-year performance. The final berth will fall down the full-year table to Águila. Honduras - Many thanks to Diez for spelling it out for us: the defending champion Motagua will face Honduras Progreso in the Clausura final, and Olimpia have no choice but to thank their derby rivals for knocking off Real España. Otherwise, or if Guatemala hadn't been suspended, the last club holding a perfect attendance record in the CCL would have finally seen it vanish into thin air...because Honduras does give preference to runners-up (noted for future reference ). Of course, if we were really pedantic, we could point out that Olimpia now have to win the CONCACAF League to reach the CCL proper for the 10th straight time. Lastly, since Motagua have a better full-year record than Honduras Progreso, they've graduated to the big dance. Costa Rica - Saprissa choking at home against Santos de Guápiles, combined with Herediano's win over Limón, means that Herediano have won Round 2 of the Torneo de Verano and will face Saprissa in the final. For our purposes, however, it's all said and done: Herediano have earned the CCL berth forfeited by Guatemala, while Costa Rica's CONCAleague tickets fall down the full-year table to Liga and Santos. Panama - Nothing to report yet...just Atlético Veragüense selling out a baseball stadium for their leg of the semifinal with Tauro FC. ¡LLENO TOTAL! En el Estadio Omar Torrijos. La afición del @AVeraguense y @TauroFC dijeron presente en la ida de semifinales. 👏🏻👏🏻. #YoSoyLPF pic.twitter.com/TXcsooSNBq— LPF TIGO (@LPFpanama) May 15, 2017 CFU - The home teams held serve on Matchday 1 of the CFU Club Championship finals, with San Juan Jabloteh winning 2-0 over Racing des Gonaïves and defending champions Central FC topping Grenades (ATG) 3-1. 2018 CCL Qualifiers 1. FC Dallas [USA] 2. Colorado Rapids [USA] 3. New York Red Bulls [USA] 4. Tigres UANL [MEX] 5. Club América [MEX] 6. Seattle Sounders [USA] 7. Deportivo Saprissa [CRC1] 8. Club Tijuana [MEX] 9. Motagua [HON1] 10. Herediano [CRC2] 2017 CL Qualifiers 1. Árabe Unido [PAN1 or PAN2] 2. Real Estelí [NCA] 3. Santa Tecla [SLV1 or SLV2] 4. Belmopan Bandits [BLZ] 5. Plaza Amador [PAN1 or PAN2] 6. Alianza [SLV1 or SLV2] 7. Walter Ferretti [NCA] 8. LD Alajuelense [CRC3] 9. Tauro FC [PAN1, PAN2, PAN3 or PAN4] 10. Águila [SLV3] 11. Honduras Progreso [HON2] 12. Platense [HON3] 13. Olimpia [HON4] 14. Santos de Guápiles [CRC4]
Racing des Gonaïves bowed out this afternoon with a 0-1 loss to Portmore United, guaranteeing them a return to the continental stage alongside San Juan Jabloteh. The latter two will face off on Thursday with SJJ holding the advantage on GD and needing just a tie to reach the final. For anyone interested, the nightcap can be seen here: Cibao's up 2-0 on Grenades with 21 minutes to go... 2018 CCL Qualifiers 1. FC Dallas [USA] 2. Colorado Rapids [USA] 3. New York Red Bulls [USA] 4. Tigres UANL [MEX] 5. Club América [MEX] 6. Seattle Sounders [USA] 7. Deportivo Saprissa [CRC1] 8. Club Tijuana [MEX] 9. Motagua [HON1] 10. Herediano [CRC2] 2017 CL Qualifiers 1. Árabe Unido [PAN1 or PAN2] 2. Real Estelí [NCA] 3. Santa Tecla [SLV1 or SLV2] 4. Belmopan Bandits [BLZ] 5. Plaza Amador [PAN1 or PAN2] 6. Alianza [SLV1 or SLV2] 7. Walter Ferretti [NCA] 8. LD Alajuelense [CRC3] 9. Tauro FC [PAN1, PAN2, PAN3 or PAN4] 10. Águila [SLV3] 11. Honduras Progreso [HON2] 12. Platense [HON3] 13. Olimpia [HON4] 14. Santos de Guápiles [CRC4] 15. San Juan Jabloteh (TRI) [CFU] 16. Portmore United (JAM) [CFU]