Done Deal

That whooosing sound you just heard was a huge sigh of relief from American soccer fans everwhere! U.S. Soccer announced today in conjunction with the U.S. National Soccer Team Players’ Association (USNSTPA) that the sides have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement through 2010.

Statement from U.S. Soccer President Dr. S. Robert Contiguglia: "We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the U.S. National Soccer Players' Association on a collective bargaining agreement through the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We have been confident throughout this process that an amicable agreement would be reached that would positively address the desires of both parties, and that is what we have accomplished together. Our focus now, as it has always been, is to move forward and continue our preparation for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany."

Statement from U.S. National Soccer Team Players Executive Director Mark Levinstein:

“The Players are pleased that they will continue to prepare for the 2006 World Cup with an agreement in place that benefits both sides. We hope this agreement will be the first step in bringing together the millions of individuals and many organizations that support soccer in the United States to work to advance our sport."

-- Jarrett @ 12/19/2005 01:10:00 PM