All MLS Teams Required to Participate in 2024 Open Cup, According to U.S. Soccer Rules

The United States Soccer Federation has decided against allowing Major League Soccer (MLS) to replace its first teams with developmental teams from MLS Next Pro in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. In a statement, USSF cited a commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of all stakeholders in the decision. This ruling comes after MLS had announced its plan before informing U.S. Soccer. The decision has implications for player development and scheduling for both leagues.

MLS Denied Permission to Remove First Teams from Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

In a surprising turn of events, the United States Soccer Federation has ruled against Major League Soccer’s (MLS) request to remove its first teams from the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and replace them with teams from its developmental league, MLS Next Pro.

The decision, which comes after a request from MLS to allow MLS Next Pro teams to represent in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, was met with a denial from the USSF. Despite the request being denied, US Soccer remains committed to addressing the needs and concerns of all of its members, including MLS, and other stakeholders to enhance and improve the U.S. Open Cup.

The decision was made public after MLS had announced its plan on Friday afternoon, before informing U.S. Soccer. The ruling comes after Houston defeated Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the final of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

MLS justified its request by stating that it believes there are several essential goals and concerns that must be addressed in connection with the tournament, including developing young professional players, prioritizing player health and safety, and reducing schedule congestion for MLS clubs.

Despite the denial, MLS will release its regular season schedule later on Wednesday.