Ok so Iraq has there football league setup http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=313781&cc=5901 The structure of the Iraqi championship has changed this year from a single national league under Saddam to four regional leagues containing nine teams. The top three teams from each group will qualify for a final round of 12 teams. So theres 36 teams via'ing for 12 spots - 33% qualify for play offs. Could we see the MLS moving to this format? 36 teams in MLS where would they go?
You probably right America can have that many people playing or interested in sport with 36 teams there wouldn't be enough profit. BUT if you negatives could leave the forum. Would the MLS play offs mean something if only 40% made it. how many would travel if the 8 teams in your league all were in the same region as you? FOR ANY SPORT.
I really think you're on to something here, hmmmm......yes, I got it, uereka! The US vs. Iraq, winner take all! You win.....we give back Saddam and leave Iraq, We win.....you get water and crispy cremes and we get to leave Iraq. Thank you for the great thread! Oh, also, we should combine the leagues (MLS and A-League) into 1 great superleague, add a B-league, C-league, and play for relegation. All for now
This is great news. I hope I can check out games on TV when I get over there, and maybe trade some D.C. jerseys for a local team's.
So folks who prefer to be rooted in reality - even positive, upbeat reality are "negatives." You can keep your "future fantasy world." I'm quite happily enjoying Major League Soccer right here, right now(tm).
Yes you deal with what you are told and let the rich make every move for you its so much easier not to have any hopes or expectations. Perhaps the "not diluting the skill level" is done in US education as well as sport.
I've got all three Iraqi Nat'l side kits (on sale at your local HadjiMart outside the wire for about $3 apiece)... And if you can get kids to risk their lives by hanging out with you, you can get a great friendly in just about any village. Mortars often make it necessary to play very brief matches. Have fun! ps - the Romanians and the Slovaks have some absolute ringers in their ranks in the center-south.