Entire US Women’s League Cancelled
The Women’s Professional Soccer league in the United States has suspended its 2012 season while it attempts to resolve legal issues with a former team owner.
The five-team league – which features Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Philadelphia Independence, Sky Blue FC and Western New York Flash – said its board of governors voted on Monday to cancel the season – but hopes to restart the campaign in 2013.
Women’s Professional Soccer league (WPS) chief executive, Jennifer O’Sullivan, said in a statement: ‘Making the decision to suspend the 2012 season was a difficult and painful one.’
‘But it is necessary to take the time to address current issues and solidify our business in order to provide appropriate support needed to achieve the league’s long-term goals.’
Players due to play in the league are now without a club include striker Kelly Smith, who has over 100 caps for England.
Smith is one of five British players currently clubless in a year that features Euro 2013 qualification and the Olympics.
It is the second time Smith has been left without a club in America after the previous professional league failed in 2003 while she was with Philadelphia Charge.
The league’s decision came just a day after the U.S. women’s won a regional qualifying tournament for this year’s London Olympics.
