MLS approves salary change that could tempt world stars
AFP
November 12, 2006
FRISCO, United States (AFP) - Major League Soccer's chances of luring marquee names such as David Beckham to US football improved as league owners approved changes to the salary cap structure.
Under the new rule approved by team owners, clubs will have the ability to go above the current two million-dollar per team salary cap to acquire a "designated player."
Each team will receive one "designated player" spot on its roster, and while they can be traded among teams no team will be able to have more than two such players.
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MLS will be responsible for up to 400,000 dollars of the player's salary, and the team will pay the rest.
Unlike other leagues, MLS currently operates under a "single entity" system in which the league, not the individual teams, employs the players and pays them.
The change is seen as necessary to attract international stars such as former England captain David Beckham, who has voiced interest in ending his career in the United States.
"Our fans have told us they want to see more world stars in MLS, and this rule will allow us to sign the most talented stars in the world," MLS commissioner Don Garber said.
