@AP_Soccer_ This is by design. First they create artificial scarcity to drive up secondary market prices. Then they release more face value tix to undercut the secondary market. It makes their high face value ticket prices look like a deal now.
FIFA just sold football’s history to the highest bidder.
The removal of analytic data on @FBref is a calculated heist of public knowledge to protect a 2026 World Cup gambling monopoly.
Stats Perform (@OptaSTATS) is taking the heat but FIFA is equally to blame.
A 🧵(1/10)
@CeliaBedelia Buy an ice chopper, to save your back, instead of the hammer. Can also use a bag of sand for traction. Often recommended on new concrete.
Former USMNT defender Steve Cherundolo is now back in Germany after stepping down from LAFC coaching job.
He spent 15 years playing in Germany and six more years as a youth coach. He explains why the youth system there is much better than in the U.S. 🗣️
“A lot of players can get lost down the wrong path [in the U.S.] that maybe isn’t right for them,” Cherundolo told Cobi Jones for LA Galaxy YouTube channel.
“If we can simplify the path like it is in Europe. All of the youth leagues are filtered upward towards the Bundesliga, the first division. All of the youth national teams act as scouts for all of the clubs.”
“So the Federation and clubs are working together. There is a filter system that no talent is gone unseen.”
“I fear that in this moment in the U.S., there’s a lot of good players that aren’t being seen for many reasons.”
“Most of the scouting going on is from U.S. Soccer. Huge country, you need a lot of manpower to cover the U.S. Not realistic.”
“And then you have MLS. But MLS clubs are only responsible for their own region. So it doesn’t make sense for us to go scout in Texas.”
“That’s where other countries get it right. They have regional and international scouts. There’s just a number of scouts out there where every single player is identified.”
“Remember the old Olympic development programs? You start with your district, state, regional, then national. I felt there were a lot more players being identified and seen in that system than there are currently.”
“Long story short, I think the path is much clearer in Europe than it is here. You can get lost in this mess of youth development programs.”
“A lot of clubs, a lot of leagues within clubs or clubs form their own leagues to keep players within the clubs.”
“Our system right now is not conducive to developing talent. It’s keeping talent in a closed league. We need to change that.”
@TheAthletic The Cat 2 & 3 prices are even more outrageous considering how bad the seats are. They used to be corners and end lines. Now just overpriced nosebleed.
@FavianRenkel They're not going to send rejection letters until they start selling tickets. They need to get a read on average # tix per sale, before ruling out possible customers. They'll slow roll this so they can optimize the dynamic pricing.
@FIFAWorldCup I got through and was able to complete the entry. You have until Sept 19th to complete this part. It doesn't matter when you do. Let the initial rush subside.
@lea@FIFAcom@FIFAWorldCup You have until Sept 19th to do this. Let the initial rush subside. It's a lottery, doesn't matter when you apply during the initial phase.
Following extensive review and discussion, US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and US Club Soccer have collectively decided to move to an age group player formation cycle that runs from August 1 to July 31, starting with the 2026-27 season/registration year.
Read more about the decision: https://t.co/agLrm1O7r8
Promotion and relegation is coming!
The USL becomes the first professional sports league in the U.S. to adopt this global system, marking a major milestone that will reshape the future of American soccer.
Read more: https://t.co/AUOrHPyN7v