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MLS Executives Nelson Rodriguez And Todd Durbin Named To Head New Technical And Player Relations Dep

January 14, 2010 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


NEW YORK (Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010) - Today Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber announced the reorganization of the competition aspects of the League Office and the creation of two new departments to focus on technical development and player/labor relations.

As Executive Vice President of Competition, Technical and Game Operations, long-time MLS executive Nelson Rodriguez will be responsible for all on-field competition and technical matters. In his new role, Rodríguez will supervise the League's soccer technical development, oversee League-wide game operations, disciplinary matters and expand the League's scouting capabilities. Rodriguez will serve as the League liaison with MLS coaches and club technical directors on game-related matters.

Current Executive Vice President of Player Relations and Competition Todd Durbin, who began working at MLS in 1995 prior to the League's inaugural season, will expand his existing responsibilities. Durbin will oversee the signing of all player contracts as well as the rules by which players are allocated or assigned to clubs. Durbin will also manage League labor relations and serve as the key point of contact for the MLS Players Union. In addition, he will oversee an expanded youth development initiative that will focus on relationships MLS has with lower-division leagues, youth academies and the overall development of young soccer players.

Durbin and Rodriguez will work in tandem to ensure the quality of play in MLS continues to grow and MLS games are more competitive, entertaining and operated in a safe environment for players and fans.

"Major League Soccer remains focused on becoming one of the top soccer leagues in the world and continuing the growth of the game in the United States and Canada," said Garber. "The creation of these two new competition areas, under the stewardship of Todd and Nelson, provides us with experienced and passionate leadership of two executives who have each worked for MLS for more than a decade. This reorganization and additional resources we will add to technical development solidify our charge of making the game our first priority."

In his most recent role, Rodríguez worked within Commissioner's Office on strategic planning, new business development and alliance development, among other duties. He had previously served as Senior Vice President of Soccer United Marketing where he managed the acquisition and development of SUM properties such as the Mexican National Team's annual U.S. Tour, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, FC Barcelona Tour, InterLiga, SuperLiga and the Pan-Pacific Championship.

Before joining MLS in 2000, Rodríguez served as Director of Soccer Operations for the MetroStars from 1998-1999. Rodríguez accumulated experience on the field as well, leading the men's soccer team at Lafayette College as Head Coach between 1995 and 1997. He took his team to the 1995 NCAA "Sweet Sixteen," the first ever tournament appearance in program history.

Among his other management roles in the sport, Rodríguez was also a member of the local organizing committee for the New Jersey venue at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, assisting the Venue Executive Director and FIFA officials and dignitaries.

A native of New Jersey, Rodríguez is fluent in Spanish and holds a bachelors degree in Communications from Rutgers University. He and his wife and four children reside in New Jersey.

Durbin, one of the original members of the League Office staff, has worked in the MLS player department since its inception. In his various roles within the player department throughout the years, Durbin has formulated and implemented all team rosters and budget guidelines which include methods of acquisition, trade policies and procedures and team salary budgets. In addition, he has managed the day-to-day relationship with MLS Player's Union. Durbin, along with then MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis, led the team that negotiated MLS' groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement in 2004.

Since 1995, Durbin has personally signed nearly 1,000 player contracts, working closely with the U.S. Olympic Team, the U.S. Soccer Under-20 and Under-17 development programs, as well as playing a leading role in the Generation adidas and Project 40 programs. He is recognized by soccer experts for his expertise in identifying the leading young soccer talent in the United States. With his experience in signing players from throughout the world, Durbin has forged relationships with national soccer federations and clubs across the globe.

Durbin has also managed international player transfers, including the move of Tim Howard to Manchester United, DaMarcus Beasley to PSV Eindhoven, Bobby Convey to Reading FC and Clint Dempsey to Fulham FC. In addition, he manages the MLS Competition Committee and is a member of MLS' Technical Committee, MLS' Youth Development Committee, the U.S. Soccer Pro Council and FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber. He has previously served on the MLS Discipline Committee and the U.S. Soccer Appeals Committee.

Durbin attended Boston College where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Economics in 1990. He received his J.D. at the University of Southern California Law School in 1994 and was admitted to the California Bar that same year. A Southern California native, Durbin resides in Darien, CT with his wife and three children.

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