USSF Denies MLS's Request to Replace First Teams in U.S. Open Cup

MLS's Plan to Alleviate Fixture Congestion and Develop Young Talent Faces Setback

U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) has denied Major League Soccer's (MLS) request to replace its first teams with developmental squads in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup.
MLS had planned to pull its first teams from the U.S. Open Cup to alleviate fixture congestion and provide more opportunities for young players.
The decision by USSF is seen as a setback for MLS, which had announced its decision before informing the USSF.
MLS has stated it remains committed to finding a solution for the 2024 tournament that addresses its goals and concerns.
The U.S. Open Cup, which began in 1914, is the nation's oldest soccer competition and is governed by U.S. Soccer.