Overview

• 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.