Pope Joins MLS Players Union

Former U.S. National Team defender Eddie Pope was hired as the Director of Player Relations for the Major League Soccer Players’ Union on Tuesday. Pope, who retired from professional soccer at the end of the 2007 season, will oversee all player communications and relations.

“I am very excited to be joining the MLS Players Union,” said Pope in a statement. “The players in MLS have worked very hard and sacrificed a great deal to build the league. I look forward to working for the players to help them achieve a better life for themselves and their families.”

“We are very pleased to have Eddie come aboard,” said MLSPU Executive Director Bob Foose. “He will be an integral part of the Union leadership as we continue to work to improve conditions for all MLS players. I have no doubt that Eddie will be as successful in this new role as he has been throughout his career.”

During his 12-year professional career, the University of North Carolina product represented the U.S. National Team in three World Cups (1996, 2002 and 2006) and earned 82 caps. Playing for three MLS teams, Pope was named to 11 MLS All-Star teams, four MLS Best XI squads, an MLS Defender of the Year, and is a member of the league’s all-time Best XI team.

With the current collective bargaining agreement due to expire at the end of the 2009 season, Pope’s hiring is a critical one for the Union.

“Eddie Pope is a soccer icon,” said Union Executive Board member Ben Olsen. “He is respected by every player in the league, and he will command respect in his new role with the Union. We are thrilled to have him working with us.”