Thu May 15 13:23:17 2008

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Barcelona and MLS establish multi-year partnership

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New York, NY (Sports Network) - Major League Soccer announced Thursday it has entered into a multi-year partnership with Barcelona, one of the world's most popular and celebrated professional soccer clubs.

The new, five-year partnership - the first-ever European club to establish a long-term agreement with MLS - includes the organization of a minimum of six international matches throughout the term.

As part of the agreement, Barcelona and its roster of international superstars including Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o, will play games this summer in the United States. Details for the tour will be announced in the near future.

"FCB is a world-renowned brand for its great history of special players, entertaining play and success," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "MLS is excited to help expand the story of FCB and its efforts by showcasing its breathtaking soccer and further developing its brand in North America."

Barcelona has won 18 Spanish La Liga trophies, a record 24 Copa del Rey titles and two UEFA Champions League titles, the latter of which was captured in 2006 just before their record-setting tour of the United States.

"After a successful tour in 2006, we at FC Barcelona are excited to embrace a long-term strategy for our brand in the U.S. market," FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta said.

In 2006, the FC Barcelona USA Tour registered the highest average attendance for any club tour in U.S. history, averaging 80,734 in three matches, and is the only one among those tours featuring three or more games to sell out every stadium.

FC Barcelona played in front of three sold-out crowds in Los Angeles, Houston and East Rutherford, N.J.