da 888casino: Tata Martino revealed that Inter Miami and New York Red Bulls sought to postpone their MLS fixture but their request was turned down by the US FA.
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Miami and NYRB urged to postpone the fixtureThe international break will see them miss out on starsMartino wants MLS authorities to figure out a solution Brennan Asplen/Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Star player Lionel Messi remains sidelined due to a muscle injury sustained during a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal against Nashville. Additionally, Miami will be without up to eight other potential starters due to various fitness issues and the ongoing FIFA international break.
The situation isn't any better for the Red Bulls, as captain Emil Forsberg and four other key players are away on international duty. And despite the mutual agreement between the two clubs to postpone the fixture, the federation's decision to proceed with the match poses challenges for both sides.
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Martino expressed his disappointment, highlighting the need for the league to reevaluate its stance on playing fixtures during FIFA breaks.
"We received a request from Red Bulls to postpone this match and we agreed, but the federation didn't approve," the Inter manager said.
"It’s something that will have to be considered, the league will have to continue assessing [playing though FIFA breaks]."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The reintroduction of the Leagues Cup last year further complicates matters for the US Soccer Federation. It is a four-week-long tournament in the middle of the season which makes fixture postponements challenging.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Martino will find solace in the availability of veteran players such as Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, who bring valuable experience and depth to the squad. However, as MLS continues to grapple with scheduling conflicts and player absences, calls for a more flexible approach during international breaks are likely to intensify.