Comments on: MLS gets NO RESPECT: Ranked 77th!!!!!!!!

By: Sean

Sean — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:22:15 +0000

The MLS is ranked number 77th???? In 2008 the Peruvian league was ranked number 15th. Granted, I will say there is more talent in Peru, but the coaching and administration of the league is completely corrupt. I’ve been to a few MLS games and was in Peru last summer watching matches on television and in person. The MLS is at least twice as good as the Peruvian Football Primera.

By: Sinan

Sinan — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:34:34 +0000

I don’t know… Honestly, the MLS needs to restructure and drop divisions… totally reformat. Then they’ll have international respect.

By: mele419

mele419 — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 02:10:38 +0000

This is the most terrible way to rank leagues. Compeletely innacurate and garbage.
sorry for my spelling. in a rush.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:45:59 +0000

Some thoughts on their criteria:

1) How the hell do national results help determine where a LEAGUE ranks? If you’re only playing against other teams in the league you can’t tell much of anything about how one league will match up against another.

2) Regions still figuring out their intercontinental competitions, like CONCACAF, will almost definitely score lower because there’s no benchmark to measure against.

3) Schedules play a huge role. In Europe, where everybody is on the same schedule and competes in the same competition, the measurements are much more valid. compare this to the Americas, where everybody does their own thing.

By: Dave Martinez

Dave Martinez — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:18:48 +0000

“The world ranking of the strongest national leagues has been determined annually by the IFFHS since 1991 on the basis of all national (championship, FA cup) and (inter)continental results of the clubs. This principle has proved to be a very sensitive and objective indicator.”

RedUNKuLOUS!

By: Laurie

Laurie — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:32:58 +0000

Dave, do you know what criteria they used?

By: Dave Martinez

Dave Martinez — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:54:36 +0000

Its ridiculous. And to answer you guys, I agree – La Liga is the DEFINITE #2. Serie A is on a down swing, but can be argued at 3. The Argie division, though I love it, surprised me, as I figured Bundes would be well above it.

I HATE RANKINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: The Special One

The Special One — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:51:57 +0000

I wouldn’t give these rankings much clout. Supposedly part of the MLS’ low ranking is due to the poor performance in Champions league

By: Nolan

Nolan — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:43:19 +0000

Any ranking that places La Liga at 4 has no credibility whatsoever. I love the Argentinian Primera as much as the next wannabe porteno, but right now only the EPL is arguably better than La Liga.

By: Jason Davis

Jason Davis — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:33:47 +0000

Deep breaths, Dave. We all know the rankings are crap, especially in light of the financial restrictions MLS operates under. It’s like MLS is trying to climb Everest with a 50 lb weight tied to their neck; and yet our teams manage to compete well with teams from league (Mexico, Costa Rica, etc.) ranked well above the MLS.

I’ve got a more in-depth commentary on my blog:
http://matchfitusa.blogspot.com