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MLS Commissioner Invites Salah Despite Concerns Over Visibility

3/31/2026

23 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Don Garber, MLS Commissioner, invited Mohamed Salah to join MLS in response to Ibrahim Hassan, Egypt's national team director, who argued against a move.
Ibrahim Hassan, Egypt's national team director, argued that a move to MLS would diminish Mohamed Salah's global visibility.
Ibrahim Hassan encouraged Salah to stay in Europe or consider the Saudi Pro League.
Don Garber noted MLS has grown and produced players who compete internationally.

History

Historical Context

Major League Soccer (MLS) was established in 1993 as part of the U.S. bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup, succeeding the North American Soccer League, which folded in 1984. MLS began play in 1996 with ten teams and faced early financial struggles, losing over $350 million by 2004. Today, with 30 teams, MLS aims to attract global talent, exemplified by Commissioner Don Garber's invitation to Mohamed Salah.

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Story summary

Don Garber, MLS Commissioner, invited Mohamed Salah to join MLS in response to Ibrahim Hassan, Egypt's national team director, who argued against a move.
Ibrahim Hassan, Egypt's national team director, argued that a move to MLS would diminish Mohamed Salah's global visibility.
Ibrahim Hassan encouraged Salah to stay in Europe or consider the Saudi Pro League.
Don Garber noted MLS has grown and produced players who compete internationally.

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