New Rules for the MLS That Toronto FC Will Have to Follow

Changes have been announced to the Designated Player rules. The MLS wants to have more control over the rosters of all teams in the league and requires clubs to declare at least two options before August 14th, ahead of next year's season.

Although the current 2024 MLS season is approaching its final stretch, with the new rules set to take effect during this season, it seems that more options will be available in 2025. This change will be mandatory for all MLS clubs.

Under these new Designated Player rules, teams must declare one to two roster options. There will be two choices developed by each club, which will then be evaluated to make the best decision for the team throughout the season.

Toronto FC Appears to Have Already Made Its Decision

• 3 DP + 3 espacios de iniciativa U-22
• 2 DP + 4 sub-22 + GAM de 2 millones de dólares

The designated play model for The Reds will allow for three Designated Players plus three U-22 Initiative players. This model will remain in place for the rest of the year for John Herdman's squad. Additionally, 19 other MLS teams have also chosen this option, viewing it as the most viable and positive for the season. However, it will need to be reviewed again for 2025, and Toronto FC will have to select between these two models before the start of the season.

Toronto FC have selected the Designated Played model which allows a team 3 DPs + 3 U22 Initiative slots. This model will continue for the remainder of the year. 19 teams chose this option.✅ #TFCLive

The club will select between the 2 models for 2025 before the season begins. https://t.co/M31JXKGG97
— Toronto FC News Outlet (@tfcnewsoutlet) August 15, 2024

The club will aim to choose the model that best suits its needs. These measures taken by the MLS are intended to provide more control over Designated Players and also over the players from each club's youth divisions. The goal is to monitor teams more closely and enforce stricter contract regulations. It will be important to see what decisions Toronto FC makes and how they develop their roster for the upcoming season.

However, they must remain focused on the current season, as they face Houston Dynamo on August 24th in another MLS match. Toronto FC is close to securing a spot in the MLS Playoffs but will need to stay fully concentrated.