MLS commissioner Don Garber has attacked Jürgen Klinsmann’s decision to not take Landon Donovan to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Garber, also member of the United States Soccer Federation board of directors, held a conference call to refute statements from Klinsmann, the USA manager, that US players returning to the MLS to play from Europe was affecting their form and his ability to build a strong squad.

Garber held a conference call with reporters Wednesday to say Klinsmann’s remarks are “incredibly damaging to our league” and “personally infuriating.”

Garber strongly denied those accusations, and went on to say that the criticism of Clint Dempsey, who moved to MLS from the Premier League, and Michael Bradley, who returned to play for Toronto FC after a spell in Serie A with Roma, was following a patter than began with Donovan, who retired from international football on Saturday after a friendly against Ecuador.


“I believe that Landon should have been in Brazil,” said Garber. “Because his performance dictated it ... His treatment was inexcusable.” He also said that Klinsman’s comments were “incredibly damaging to our league” and “send the wrong message” to players.

“To think that we are not aligned with our national team coach is disappointing and personally infuriating, frustrating as hell,” Garber said. “And frankly I don’t think it is in line with the shared vision that this league has with the [US] federation.

“Without the League, the US player pool would be diminished,” he said. “It is just patently untrue that if you play in Major League Soccer it will affect your form.

“I will do everything and anything to defend our league, players & owners ... I think [Klinsmann] needs to think very hard about how he manages himself publicly.”