Et Calgary et Edmonton sont out pour 2005...

[François]

Three A-League teams discontinued
Edmonton, Calgary and Syracuse out for 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, October 26, 2004

TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues announced Wednesday that A-League teams in the markets of Edmonton, Calgary and Syracuse will not be included in the 2005 season schedule.

“It is very unfortunate to lose these three markets, which we feel have great potential,” said USL Vice President Tim Holt. “We still strongly believe Calgary, Edmonton and Syracuse have a future in USL; however, it was not in the short-term interest of USL and its other member franchises to continue in those markets for 2005.”

USL-operated Edmonton FC, the replacement team for the Aviators, discontinued operations at the close of the 2004 season. Despite interest from several parties in obtaining A-League franchise rights to the market, no group demonstrated the necessary capitalization or proper business plan to justify the awarding of franchise rights for 2005.

Failing to recommit for the 2005 season, the Calgary Mustangs’ A-League franchise rights were discontinued by USL Friday.

“The business structure for our franchises is closely tied to clubs having local rivals as travel partners,” said Holt. “I think the difficulties experienced in both Calgary and Edmonton last season compounded one another and,unfortunately, it was not prudent for the Calgary team to operate in 2005 without a club in Edmonton.”

In a joint decision between Syracuse Pro Sports Group LLC and USL, the Syracuse Salty Dogs will also discontinue operations for 2005. Despite tremendous success out of the gate in 2003 in attendance and continued support in their sophomore season, the Salty Dogs experienced economic difficulties due to their lease arrangements at P&C Stadium, which is home to the minor league baseball SkyChiefs.

“It pains us to make this decision because the ownership group has made progress towards long-term success,” said Holt. “In today’s financial climate, however, we have to look at the reality of tomorrow and, unfortunately, there was no plan in place to make the short-term viable to the satisfaction of both the Salty Dogs and USL.”

“We have made a concerted effort over the past few years to stress quality over quantity in our leagues and we are aggressively making moves to increase franchise stability and to improve the value of the product for our fans and for our team owners.”

[Bxl Boy]

Elle va avoir une drôle d'allure la Coupe des Voyageurs l'année prochaine !

A Calgay aussi, il y a du beau monde à aller récupérer...

[Daniel]

On passe d'une Coupe interessante de 8 matches a une beaucoup moins de 4 matches...

[Christian]

Et maintenant certains parlent de Milwaukee comme de la prochaine equipe a disparaitre avant la nouvelle saison.

Pour la A-league 4 departs durant l'intersaison n'est pas hors de l'ordinaire. Esperons d'avoir 4 nouveaux pour conserver 16 equipes. C'est leur systeme de promotion/relegation.

[fafane]

Salut c fafane le parisien.
C'est pas trop dangereux que tous ces clubs disparaissent les uns apres les autres.
y a t'il des clubs dejà pret à les remplacer?