Catalonia Friendly Nixed by Greg Seltzer - September 9, 2007 |
|
| ▪ ASD Match Report: Brazil Tops US | |
US Soccer chief Sunil Gulati says the October 14th friendly with Catalonia at Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium could still come off if the Spanish federation gives a thumbs up upon reconsideration. |
▪ US Depth Lifts Cherundolo |
| ▪ Oguchi Onyewu: In The Moment | |
| The Spaniards voted down the game two weeks ago for an undisclosed reason, but are receiving an appeal for support by the Catalan federation. "As is the case in all of our contracts which aren't directly with a national association member of FIFA, there's a clause in there that the game has to be approved by the national association member of FIFA, which in this case is the Spanish federation," Gulati told reporters at halftime of the USMNT's 4-2 loss to Brazil in Chicago on Sunday. "At this time, they haven't approved, but we are waiting to see if they will approve it." "We will make a decision, I think, by the end of this week. If they approve it, we'll play, and if they haven't approved it, we won't play." Gulati also noted that a replacement opponent would be sought, if necessary. The match would take place on a FIFA open date, but many countries on the continent will be taking part in Euro2008 qualifiers, including Spain. "We would certainly try to play a second game in Europe, but on such short notice, it's not easy," he admitted. "I think it's safe to say we wouldn't wait until the end of the week to investigate that possibility, but our first priority is to play that game. We're waiting for the (Spanish federation) to reconsider." UPDATE: The Spanish federation has once again voted to reject the friendly, leaving the the USMNT to search for a replacement opponent and Barcelona chief Joan Laporta angry. "I do not understand why Spain systematically prevents (Catalonia) from playing matches," he told AFP. |
|