MLS Faces FIFA Fire on Promotion and Relegation
MLS Faces FIFA Fire on Promotion and Relegation originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is rattling cages in American soccer. He's urging Major League Soccer (MLS) to adopt promotion and relegation, a system defining global soccer leagues. Citing Wrexham AFC's meteoric climb from non-league to England's Championship, Infantino argues it fuels competition absent in MLS's closed structure.
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Wrexham's Hollywood-backed saga, fueled by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, showcases soccer's underdog magic. Promotion and relegation let minnows dream big, toppling giants through grit. MLS, like the NFL or NBA, operates as a sealed fortress, with franchise fees soaring past $500 million, making owners wary of risking relegation according to SkySports.com.
Infantino's vision isn't just romantic; it's strategic. A 2016 study revealed 88% of 1,000 U.S. soccer fans backed promotion and relegation, craving heightened stakes says SoccerAmerica.com. Yet, MLS's stability, with 2024 attendance hitting 11.4 million, suggests fans aren't fleeing its current model.
'It has to change...it must be discussed with common sense and a dialogue in a positive spirit' - Gianni Infantino said in a 2025 fireside chat with Fox Sports.
The United Soccer League (USL), MLS's rival, is stealing a march. In 2025, USL owners voted to launch a three-tier system with promotion and relegation by 2027, challenging MLS's dominance according to USLsoccer.com. This move amplifies pressure on MLS to evolve or risk being outshone.
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Infantino's claim that soccer will eclipse all U.S. sports in 'three to four, maximum five years' feels audacious. A 2025 poll of 2,501 Americans showed only 14% follow soccer, trailing football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and even the Olympics (Gallup.com). His timeline seems more hope than reality.
MLS owners face a $500 million gamble. Relegation could devalue franchises, spooking investors who banked on guaranteed top-flight status says Forbes.com. Unlike Wrexham's fairy tale, MLS clubs lack the cultural roots to survive a drop, critics argue.
Football Role Models - Rob and Ryan are winning with Wrexham.(Photo by)
Wrexham AFC's value has surged since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased the club for $2.55 million in 2021. As of April 2025, following their third successive promotion to the EFL Championship, football finance expert Kieran Maguire estimated the club's valuation at approximately $191 million (£150 million).
This marks a 7,400% increase from the 2021 price.
Yet, Infantino's push taps into soccer's global soul. Promotion and relegation reward ambition, not just wallets. European giants like Manchester United thrive under this pressure, per UEFA's 2024 report.
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MLS's closed shop has drawbacks. Stagnant teams face no real penalty, dulling competition. Fans crave the drama Wrexham embodies, where every match pulses with consequence.
The USL's bold experiment looms large. If successful, it could force MLS's hand, reshaping American soccer. Infantino's dream hinges on MLS embracing risk over comfort.
FIFA's challenge is clear: evolve or stagnate. MLS must weigh its fortress against soccer's beating heart. Will it dare to dream like Wrexham?
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
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