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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>MLS announced intention to field youth players</li><li>U.S. Soccer pull ranks on proposal</li><li>First-team squads to compete in historic tournament</li></ul>

U.S. Soccer dramatically blocks MLS 'request' to enter Next Pro development teams in U.S. Open Cup in place of first-team squads

<p>The governing body issued a statement on Wednesday denying MLS club's permission to field MLS Next Pro development teams as representatives in next season's competition. MLS had previously announced their plans to field weaker sides without consulting U.S. Soccer, who referred to the MLS announcement as a 'request' in their declaration.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>In a statement posted on X, U.S. Soccer announced: “Major League Soccer has requested to allow MLS Next Pro teams to represent MLS in the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/who-is-lamar-hunt/blta712628d7255eafd" target="_blank">2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup</a>. After thoughtful consideration, we have informed MLS that the U.S. Soccer staff recommendation, which was adopted by the Pro League Taskforce, is that the request be denied.</p><p>“As we move forward, we will continue our review of the Open Cup to ensure it aligns with the U.S. Soccer strategic pillars. We remain committed to addressing the needs and concerns of all of our members, including MLS, and other stakeholders to enhance and improve the U.S. Open Cup.”</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Official U.S. Soccer Statement: <a href="https://t.co/Hw0EPTyyVy">pic.twitter.com/Hw0EPTyyVy</a></p>— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/ussoccer/status/1737488067382911160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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WHAT U.S. SOCCER SAID

<p>A statement posted by MLS just minutes later read: "Major League Soccer recently proposed to U.S. Soccer a plan for MLS NEXT Pro teams to represent the League in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. MLS took that step because it believes that there are several essential goals and concerns that must be addressed in connection with the tournament, including developing young professional players and providing them with greater opportunity to play before fans in meaningful competition in a tournament setting, prioritizing player health and safety, reducing schedule congestion for MLS clubs, and enhanced investment from U.S. Soccer."</p><p>The statement concluded: "MLS is committed to finding a viable solution for the 2024 tournament and is working to find a pathway that addresses its goals and concerns. Moving forward, MLS will remain focused on increasing opportunities for up-and-coming players, a key component of the League’s player development strategy that ultimately benefits the U.S. national team program."</p>

WHAT MLS SAID

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/usmnt-jimmy-conrad-blasts-mls-over-decision-to-play-developmental-teams-in-2024-u-s-open-cup/blt3b87de620a02e794" target="_blank">MLS' announcement Friday had caused consternation among fans</a> who viewed the move as a cynical ploy to clear the club calendar at the expense of a competition that has been in existence since 1913. Critics quickly pointed to the sheer number of exhibition games that MLS clubs participate in over the course of a season as well as the recent introduction of a mid-season competition involving Mexican clubs.</p><p>U.S. Soccer's surprisingly robust intervention will delight traditionalists but is likely to only be an opening gambit in a struggle over the calendar that will rumble on.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A footballing Americana 🤌<br><br>A tournament over a century old that has served as refuge for people from many walks of life. The <a href="https://twitter.com/opencup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@opencup</a> magic lives on. ✨ <a href="https://t.co/Uv3DWR8WVN">pic.twitter.com/Uv3DWR8WVN</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1707162098369724719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>At the centre of a power struggle, fans will hope the debate around the future of the historic tournament will serve to make it more popular when it returns in March, with the Houston Dynamo looking to retain their crown.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR THE U.S. OPEN CUP?

U.S. Soccer dramatically blocks MLS 'request' to enter Next Pro development teams in U.S. Open Cup in place of first-team squads | Goal.com

U.S. Soccer has rejected Major League Soccer&apos;s plans to field youth team squads in the U.S. Open Cup next season.