[Niamh.]

Thoughts? I really like the idea actually, we might have some chance of doing well atleast, even if we had qualified we'd likely have been knocked out straight away anyway


The United States Soccer Foundation are toying with the idea of an international tournament next summer for those including themselves who missed out on the World Cup.

This concept is sure to be received with a mixed response from those countries including the Republic of Ireland who failed to make Russia. However with heavyweights such as Italy, Netherlands and Chile also missing out, their inclusion could attract lesser sceptical nations.


According to the BBC, the idea is at a preliminary stage but football’s world governing body have stated they would not stand in its way as long as it followed the usual rules and regulations of international football.

While the idea may be a money-spinning one the inclusion of star names including Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon, Welsh star Gareth Bale and Chile’s Alexis Sanchez could make this idea possible.

African giants Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon along with New Zealand have also missed out on the world’s biggest stage in Russia next year and may be interested in the USSF’s proposals.

Other nations that could take part include Czech Republic, Scotland, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Turkey, Greece, and Northern Ireland who narrowly missed out to Switzerland in the playoffs.

While this idea may not seem that appealing to those countries who will be needed to take part, the idea might be less appealing to travelling fans who will find it hard to generate a positive vibe in a tournament no country will want to be in while the real action is taking place in Russia.

The idea may seem a little crazy but with countries likely to take part it including China and India it could attract a worldwide TV audience.

It remains to be seen if this idea can get off the ground. However, the main event in Russia kicks off on June 14, 2018, with the final on July 15.

http://www.punditarena.com/football/...-a-tournament/

[Shaun]

a "kids who weren't invited to the house party having their own movie night" tea

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Shaun

a "kids who weren't invited to the house party having their own movie night" tea

Well we might have some chance in the Losers Cup

[Alf]

How embarrassing

[LeatherTrumpet]

We would not qualify

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

We would not qualify

[Nicky91]

heavyweight Netherlands

[andybigbro]

Justice for Scotland? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[Calderyon]

So it would kind of be like an UEFA European League to Champions League, but with nations.

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by Calderyon

So it would kind of be like an UEFA European League to Champions League, but with nations.

Think of it as that I'd say.

[Shaun]

I was about to say I'd rather the 32 teams at the WC were just the 32 top seeds and do away with qualification altogether but then that rather defeats the method of how the seedings are worked out

[karl100589]

Reminds of Bender after he got thrown out the theme park:

Youtube video

[bitontheslide]

sounds like a load of poo to me, and a method of the USA trying to get one over on Russia. Don't believe it's not politically motivated.

[Locke.]

The most embarassing article I have ever read. Literally nobody would care about this, probably even half the fans of the teams involved won't be interested enough to attend, it would essentially be the international version of those friendly knock out tournaments club teams do over the summer (international champions cup, Emirates cup, etc)

[James]

^ Oh yeah, a bit like the events organised as an alternative to the boycotted 1980 Olympics.

This tournament might end up like those pre-season tournaments Premier League clubs play around the world, that people don't really care about.

[King Gizzard]

Lool

[BBfanUSA]

Gulati (USSF President, total nonce, like really one who SHOULD'VE RESIGNED) trying to get that last term. (Hasn't said he's running again but the election is in Feb and I'd imagine the more guys that run, the better chance Gulati has of staying)

I'll laugh if FIFA says "No" and threatens to sanction the US.

[King Gizzard]

I’m sad USA didn’t make it, because Pulisic is special

[BBfanUSA]

Originally Posted by King Gizzard

I’m sad USA didn’t make it, because Pulisic is special

Me too, Nathan? (I haven't figured out the name changes yet)

I actually watched that game and it was painful as **** as like seriously no one had any motivation on the pitch except for the subs, Yedlin, and Pulisic.

I got only three hours of sleep that night.

The worst thing is that those that want to change things for the better, probably want to burn MLS to the ground. Like destroy all the clubs, trademarks, everything. I think that would likely put us back further.