In today’s announcement, the Major League Soccer (MLS) Board of Governors revealed a set of innovative sporting and competition initiatives set to take effect ahead of the 2024 MLS season.
Drawing inspiration from successful pilots in the MLS NEXT Pro, these approved initiatives aim to prioritize player health and safety while introducing subtle yet impactful changes to the game.
It’s worth noting that certain aspects will remain unchanged. Notably, there are no alterations to the U-22 Initiative slot rules for the upcoming season, maintaining continuity from the current year. Teams utilizing all three U22 slots must have no more than two senior Designated Players (DPs) over the maximum Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) threshold.
The third DP spot is required to be occupied by a young DP or a player under the max-TAM limit. According to MLS insider Tom Bogert, discussions within league circles included possibly decoupling the two, allowing teams to have three U22 slots regardless of senior DP arrangements.
Additionally, it’s clarified that there will not be the introduction of a fourth Designated Player (DP) slot, indicating a decision to maintain the existing structure rather than expanding DP opportunities in the league.
It seems insufficient when others called for much more aggressive roster changes to align the league’s leading teams with top flights from Europe’s mid-tier leagues and Liga MX’s upper echelon of star-studded squads. Yet, these decisions highlight the league’s consideration of certain roster-building elements, yet opting for stability and strategic balance over the long haul.
There are no changes to U-22 Initiative slot rules for 2024. Same as this year.
To use all 3 U22 slots, teams can only have 2 senior DPs over max-TAM. Third DP spot has to be young DP or under max-TAM.
Decoupling the two (having 3 no matter what) was discussed in league circles
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) December 14, 2023
New Competition Initiatives: Protecting Players and Speeding Up the Game
1. Off-Field Treatment Rule: A Shift in Player Care Dynamics
The Off-Field Treatment Rule is a notable introduction, allowing medical professionals additional time to assess and treat players away from the field of play. If a player stays on the ground for more than 15 seconds due to a suspected injury, the referee will stop play, ushering in the medical crew for evaluation. The player will then be removed for at least two minutes for further assessment and treatment. First implemented in MLS NEXT Pro in the 2022 season, this rule has been extended into the 2023 season.
2. Timed Substitution Rule: Efficiency in Player Transitions
The Timed Substitution Rule aims to maximize adequate match time by requiring substituted players to exit the field within 10 seconds. Failure to comply results in a 60-second holding period, during which the team plays with one fewer player. Enacted in MLS NEXT Pro in 2023, the success rate of over 99.7% for swift substitutions underscores the seamless implementation of this rule.
3. In-Stadium VAR Announcements: Transparency in Decision-Making
Pending approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the referee will now announce VAR decisions to fans in the stadium and viewers at home. This move towards transparency is expected to enhance the spectator experience, providing insight into critical decisions shaping a match’s course.
4. Stoppage Time Clock: A Clear View of Match Dynamics
A subtle yet impactful change involves the presentation of stoppage time. Scoreboards, video boards, and stadium clocks will now run until the completion of each half, including any additional time. This transparency gives fans a more accurate representation of the match duration.
5. Return To Play Equity: Ensuring Fair Treatment for Injured Players
In cases where opposing players simultaneously incur head injuries requiring off-field treatment and are subsequently cleared to return, they will re-enter the game simultaneously. This initiative prioritizes fairness in player treatment, ensuring that both players undergo equal medical evaluation before returning to play.
Roster and Budget Guideline Updates
1. Discovery Slot Reduction: Streamlining Team Building
Starting after the 2024 Roster Compliance date, the MLS will reduce the number of Discovery List slots per club from seven players to five. However, expansion club San Diego FC will maintain seven Discovery List slots until the 2025 Roster Compliance Date, after which the number of slots will be reduced to five.
2. General Allocation Money for Designated Player Transfers: Financial Flexibility
In a notable financial shift, clubs can now opt to receive a portion of transfer fees as General Allocation Money (GAM) following the transfer of a Designated Player who meets the TAM eligibility parameters. This flexibility in fund allocation provides clubs with increased financial maneuverability in shaping their rosters.
In summary, these initiatives reflect MLS’s commitment to evolving the sport while considering the welfare of its players. It maintains the essence of parity while addressing one of soccer’s issues from the mainstream viewer’s standpoint: dead time due to injuries.
Cover: Major League Soccer
