MLS Commissioner Garber Defends League's Quality Amid Salah Transfer Rumors
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber has issued a strong rebuttal to Egyptian football executive Ibrahim Hassan, who recently advised Liverpool star Mohamed Salah to avoid a potential move to MLS. In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, Garber suggested Hassan should watch Lionel Messi's performances for Inter Miami to understand the league's current standing.
Egyptian Official's Controversial Comments
The controversy began when Ibrahim Hassan, Egypt's national team director, stated that Salah should remain in Europe when he eventually leaves Liverpool, claiming MLS is "too far out of the spotlight." Hassan later added that if European offers weren't available, the Saudi Pro League would represent a better option for the Egyptian forward.
"Well, that's the first time that I've ever heard anything like that," Garber responded when presented with Hassan's comments during league meetings in Sarasota, Florida. "Leo Messi is the most popular player in the world. He was, and he still is. I'd be happy to send an Apple subscription to the head of the Egyptian FA so he can watch as many Messi games as he'd like."
Historical Perception Issues for MLS
This isn't the first instance where MLS has faced criticism from international football figures regarding its quality and relevance:
- In 2016, Italian manager Gian Piero Ventura omitted Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco from national team squads, stating he played in "a league that doesn't matter much"
- Historically, Mexican national team coaches warned players that MLS participation could jeopardize their international careers
- Despite these perceptions, MLS has become a popular destination for veteran players preparing for World Cups, including Gareth Bale before the 2022 tournament
Evidence of MLS Growth and Quality
Garber pointed to several indicators demonstrating MLS's development as a competitive global league:
International Recognition: MLS supplied 36 players for 2022 World Cup squads, more than any non-European league system. The league currently ranks 13th in Opta's global power rankings, placing it ahead of Poland's and Croatia's top divisions and significantly above the Saudi Pro League at 37th position.
Youth Development: Recent MLS academy graduates include 20-year-old Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders) and 22-year-old Brian Gutiérrez (Chicago Fire), both of whom started for Mexico in their recent match against Portugal. The ongoing GA Cup youth tournament features academies from all 30 MLS clubs alongside elite European and South American teams including FC Barcelona, Boca Juniors, and FC Bayern München.
Commissioner's Long-Term Perspective
"I think that [Hassan's] point of view is very indicative of what MLS deals with as we develop as an aspiring major player on the world stage," Garber explained. "We're just constantly dealing with this perspective that we, Americans, will never get it, and it's just not true."
The commissioner highlighted multiple areas where MLS excels:
- Dozens of former MLS players now compete in top European leagues
- World-class facilities that rival any global league
- Support from internationally recognized coaches like Mauricio Pochettino
- Growing influence in international football competitions
"I've been dealing with skepticism for 27 years," Garber concluded. "It's never stopped me, and it never will." While expressing his desire to see Salah eventually play in MLS, Garber emphasized that the league's continued growth speaks for itself despite persistent perception challenges from some international football circles.
