WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2012 - The U.S. women's national team had little time to celebrate qualifying for the London Olympics after Sunday's win over Canada. On Monday, the league in which many of the players earn their living, closed up shop for a year. It was just another bizarre milestone in the history of women's professional soccer in America.
Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) has decided to suspend the 2012 season in order to allow the league to deal with legal issues in an ongoing dispute with a former owner.
WPS terminated its South Florida franchise after a dispute with owner Dan Borislow, the founder of magicJack, last season. According to WPS, the legal battle with Borislow has diverted resources from investment in the league.
"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," WPS CEO Jennifer O'Sullivan.
According to the Associated Press, a Florida judge ruled earlier this month that WPS failed to follow its own dispute procedures when it terminated Borislow's franchise.
Players will now have to find opportunities to play elsewhere in leagues around the globe.
WPS has established its plans to return to play in 2013, and all five owners of the league's existing teams - Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Philadelphia Independence, Sky Blue FC and Western New York Flash - remain committed to the league, according to a WPS press release.
"Sad news but not surprising about @womensprosoccer suspending operations. Lots to do if they r to get it back up for 2013." said former U.S. team captain Julie Foudy on her Twitter account.
The previous women's professional league - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) - also survived for three years from 2000-2003 and folded just before the 2003 World Cup began.
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