FIFA president Sepp Blatter insults American franchises

FIFA president Sepp Blatter wants to tighten regulations regarding club ownership to prevent "the American franchise system'' from infiltrating European soccer.

Blatter said Tuesday he was disappointed by a recent Court of Arbitration for Sport decision to dismiss an attempt by Spain's soccer federation to block the league from including Granada 74 in the second division.

The club won promotion to the regional fourth division last season but has leapt two flights by taking the place of Ciudad Murcia, which it recently bought. Granada 74 is now 16th in the second division.

CAS ruled Aug. 24 that Granada 74 had been "duly recognized'' by the league and that the name change and move breached no applicable regulations.

"I am very disappointed that CAS has ignored the principle of sporting criteria for qualifying for a division and opened doors for the American franchise system to football,'' Blatter said. "FIFA will take immediate action to stop this loophole by passing appropriate regulations.''

Taken from an AP story.

2010 World Cup in America

According to reports, the World Cup could be returning to the US sooner rather than later. The 2010 tournament is scheduled for South Africa, but FIFA president Sepp Blatter hinted that the U.S. could be in line as a substitute if there are organizational delays that year or could be a candidate for 2014.

I would love to see the World Cup come back to the states. But first we need to focus on our national team and name a permanent coach - whether that's Bradley or who ever.