Football Partnerships

By Alex Kotler

Let’s go to the videotape! Really.

FIFA, global football’s governing body, has revealed that it will consider the merits of goal line technology at an upcoming meeting in March. Video replay would not, however, be implemented in time for this summer’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Speaking to Swiss newspaper SonntagsBlick, FIFA President Sepp Blatter admitted that he is “not absolutely against it,” and that “if the technology is ready to adopt, then [FIFA would be] in agreement.”

Perhaps the Irish will then have reason to thank the French and adore Thierry Henry.

Let’s get feasible…. Let me hear somebody talk

According to today’s Soccerex Business Daily, the Maryland Stadium Authority will conduct a $100,000 feasibility study to determine whether or not MLS side DC United should consider relocating to Baltimore where a 17,000-20,000 capacity soccer specific stadium would be constructed.

The Maryland Stadium Authority has previously evaluated the economic benefits of locating a Major League Soccer stadium in Prince George’s County.

Will DC United fans approve of having their team relocated?

View the results of the Prince George’s County study

Glazers vs. Sliders

Despite a spirited protest by its supporters outside of Old Trafford, English Premier League side Manchester United have successfully raised £500 million through a bond issue. The move will cost the club £54 million, according to newspaper reports.

To put the expense in perspective, fans could enjoy over 103 million White Castle sliders (with cheese) for the value of the debt issuance.

Eurosport to partner with the WPSL

Eurosport, one of the world’s best known soccer merchandise and apparel companies, has joined Molten as an official partner of the Women’s Premier Soccer League.

The deal will see Eurosport increase its presence on all WPSL digital properties, including team and league pages. The facilitator of the deal, Cheryl Stokes, who is currently President of the Maine Tide, will now serve as Director of Business Development & Sponsorships for the league.

Learn more about the WPSL.

Putting an Arena in the Hall

Former US National Team Coach and current Coach and General Manager of MLS side LA Galaxy Bruce Arena has been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame as a Builder.

Arena led the University of Virginia to five titles, DC United to two, guided the US men to the best finish in 72 years at the 2002 World Cup and guided the LA Galaxy to last year’s MLS final.

Learn more about Arena’s achievement.