by Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

Created on: January 22, 2010

The idea that the MLS can trade the rights of players after their contracts have expired is not unfair although the indiviual teams should be allowed to trade players with active contracts. It helps the MLS [Major Soccer League] acquire players during the off season taking into account the window period imposed on the MLS by FIFA.

The European countries that are members of the FIFA as well as UEFA have their season from August to May while the MLS has its season from March to October. FIFA, UEFA, and FIFA have window periods in which decisions have to be made. The MLS does not have the luxury to sit down and think about the players with or without expired contracts.

The underwriter would like to respond to the comment that domestic players have no incentive to remain in the United States of America under the MLS Rules. The athletes who play soccer go to Europe to practice their skills in the sport during the off season and then return to the USA.

The players who come from other countries to play in the MLS have had no inconvenience in playing for other teams even if their contracts have expired. Regardless, there are times when the rules for trading the rights of players after the expiration of their contracts need to be clear.

The reason for such clarification has to do with avoiding abuse with the rules and to ensure fairness for all players involved. The idea of a time frame after a contract has expired is necessary.

What should occur in these cases is that the rules should be expressed clearly. If there is a case in which the MLS can sign a player whose contract has expired, it should be when the player's previous club release him during a regular transaction such as a trade. The player should be eligible to play and the contract should not have expired within six months.

The players whose contract has expired after six months should not be used by the MLS as a form of bargaining chip since he has paid his dues to the club. The six months would serve as a window period and could cover the football [soccer] season in Europe and the United States of America.

The clause should also include players who have had a long career in order to give opportunity to those who actually need to play for a club. If such rules are applied fairly, then MLS Clubs should be allowed to trade players whose contracts have expired.

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