Roster Rule Changes

Posted: November 24, 2004
MLS announces expanded team roster sizes and international player limits in 2005

The information has come out earlier, but the official press release came out today.
Here is what it all boils down to:

RULE (max per team) 2004 2005
Full Roster Size 24 28
Senior Roster 18 18
Developmental Roster 6 10
Senior Internationals (SIs) 3 4
Youth Internationals (YIs)
(previously Transitional Internationals)		 2* 3
Expansion Team YIs -- 5(3)**
     

* In 2004, MLS allowed 20 YIs league-wide, with no per-team limit. In 2005, the per-team limit becomes three, although YI slots can be traded to another team (SI slots cannot)

** For the first 2 years (2005, 2006) CD Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake will get an additional 2 YI slots. In 2007, they will return to 3 YIs, the same as the other teams. This will result in a maximum of 40 YIs in MLS for 2005.

Definitions  
Senior Roster Players that count against the salary cap
Developmental Roster Players 24 years old or younger not signed to the Senior Roster
Senior International Foreign player not holding a green card, 25 years of age or older during the season
Youth International Foreign player not holding a green card, 24 years of age or younger during the season
Can be signed to either Senior Roster or Developmental Roster

Teams can add new international players beginning December 1st, 2004.

-- Mark


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