MLS Commissioner's Statement

jmeissen0 · Mar 19, 2003

http://www.mlsnet.com/content/03/mls0319statement.html

NEW YORK (Wednesday, March 19, 2003) – Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber today issued the following statement regarding the League’s current operational stance relating to world events:

“Based on the information we know today, through consultation with the appropriate local and federal authorities, the 2003 MLS season will begin as scheduled on April 5, despite the threat of war with Iraq. Currently, four MLS teams are in Central and South America, and will maintain their travel itineraries.”

“If the situation should change drastically, we will act accordingly to ensure the safety of our players, staff, fans and their families. We are confident in the security procedures established at our teams and venues, which were intensified late in the 2001 season.”

Major League Soccer’s eighth season kicks off on Saturday, April 5, when the defending MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy travels to face the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup champion Columbus Crew live on ABC Sports at 4:00 p.m. ET. All 10 MLS teams are in action one week later, with four games on Saturday, April 12, and one on Sunday, April 13.
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Northside Rovers · Mar 20, 2003

Most everyone else is carrying on with business as usual as possible.

Hopefully this whole thing can be finished before the first kickoff.

JCUnited · Mar 21, 2003

There's caution and there's living in fear. Caution is what MLS and all of the other sports leagues in America have used in presenting their product. Living in fear is what the terrorists want us to do. Pushing the start of MLS back won't change one thing about this war in Iraq. I agree with Garber that the league should start on April 5th. Let's show the terrorists that America will keep going on as strong as ever.

MD_05 · Mar 21, 2003

i really like how Garber came straight to us the fans through the website. good move.