SCHUMER URGES U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION TO RECONSIDER ITS DECISION TO DENY NORTH AMERICAN SOCCER LEAGUE A ‘DIVISION TWO STATUS’; SENATOR SAYS DENIAL THREATENS THE FUTURE OF BROOKLYN’S NEW YORK COSMOS & COULD HURT LOCAL ECONOMY

New York’s Soccer Team, NY Cosmos, Are an Integral Part of Coney Island/Brooklyn Area; The Team Has Created Numerous Jobs for Stadium Workers & Has Attracted Tens of Thousands of Visitors Who Frequent the Local Restaurants, Bars, Hotels & More 

Schumer Says a ‘Division II Status’ Is Crucial for NY Cosmos Because It Means More Sponsors, More Quality Players & More Fans Frequenting the Local Brooklyn Area to See Games & Support the Team; Without This Status, the Local Economy Could Be Hurt   

Schumer Roots for Division Two Status for NY Cosmos, A Win-Win for Brooklyn

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged the U.S. Soccer Federation to reconsider its decision to deny the North American Soccer League professional sanctioning at the Division II level for 2018. Schumer, who represents the home of the New York Cosmos, said that the team is an integral part of New York’s soccer history and local economy, and that its participation in a Division II level league is vital for maintaining this sporting and economic success in New York.

 "From the profitable sponsorship deals to the steady job creation that the New York Cosmos have brought to Coney Island and Brooklyn at large, it’s clear that a division two status is a win-win for the region," said Schumer. "I’m urging the U.S. Soccer Federation to reconsider its decision and support a division two status for the North American Soccer League so that teams like the New York Cosmos can continue to thrive.”

The New York Cosmos, a professional soccer club based in Brooklyn, currently play in the North American Soccer League's second division. Schumer today said that the team has been a welcome addition to the Brooklyn’s Coney Island neighborhood, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and extending the tourist season well beyond the traditional summer months. Moreover, the team has created numerous jobs in New York State for players, coaches, front office personnel, and stadium workers, among others. Local restaurants, bars, and hotels have benefited from the increased foot traffic brought in from Cosmos fans. In recent years, the Cosmos have seen great success, winning the Soccer Bowl Trophy in 2013, 2015, and 2016. However, the United States Soccer Federation, the official governing body of U.S. soccer, recently denied the North American Soccer League’s application for Division II status next year.

The United States Soccer Federation currently sanctions three professional leagues. Major League Soccer is the only Division 1 men’s soccer league in the U.S. The North American Soccer League has been sanctioned as Division II since 2011. The United Soccer League was sanctioned as Division III between 2011-2016 and later sanctioned as Division II in 2017.  

Schumer today said that the United States Soccer Federation’s decision to deny the North American Soccer League’s application for Division II status next year could reduce professional soccer competition and threaten the very existence of the North American Soccer League and its clubs. Schumer said that a Division III status could hurt the New York Cosmos, as it would mean a significant decline of sponsors and television broadcast partners, loss of ceding position in the U.S. Open Cup tournament and future challenges in signing quality players.

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