News and Views from Thur Apr 15

MLS

• TFC wins home opener vs Philadelphia.

Player Moves(MLS transfer window closed Apr 15, reopens July 15)

Many people expected a flurry of DP signings by April 15th. Unless teams are holding back announcements, it appears that the window after the World Cup will be the busy signing period. And of course, the cap will only take a half hit for the balance of the season for July signings.

• RBNY signs midfielder Nielsen on loan.

Interesting Reads

• The Yanks are Coming: Idiot's guide to the World Cup, Part 1.
• I often see commenters to articles about the Designated Player bemoaning the failures. Let's face it, any sports fan knows that DP's or high priced free agents in many sports fail to live up to expectations. Here's Footy Factor opinion on this season's Euro big transfer fails.

The Business of Soccer

• World Cup over the counter sales not without problems.
• The Guardian: The Premier League will launch a legal challenge to Ofcom's ruling forcing Sky to cut the price it charges rival broadcasters to carry their sports channels.
• FIFA: Nepotism, it's everywhere.
• An article on Toyota Park's economic impact.

Around the World

• Mexican midweek roundup.
• USSF D2 at Wikipedia - Not bad.
• Premier League extends parachute payments.
• CFU Club Championships get under way.

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