Soccer news from across the globe - 2/16

Here are some the major news stories and rumors impacting the soccer world this week (minus the UEFA action - which will be discussed tomorrow):

 - The EPL is considering introducing a four team playoff for the final CL spot. Currently, the top four EPL teams automatically advance to the UEFA Champions League the following year. Under the proposal the teams which finished 4th through 7th will compete in a four team playoff after the season to determine the EPL's last bid.

 - Due to the massive snow storms across the US the past few weeks the MLS and players have agreed to extend the bargaining agreement. The 2010 MLS season is scheduled to start in about six weeks. The two main issues that the players are pushing for are (1) to break the single entity structure that the league maintains now and (2) to have more guarantee contracts and money for the 'bottom-half' of the players union. In a World Cup year, the USSF and the MLS can not afford to have the players go on strike and not capitalize on the World Cup excitement.

 - Everton announced that midfielder Fellani will be out up to six months following an ankle injury. Everton has been plagued with injuries for the past two seasons. While this is bad news for Fellani this injury will definitely ensure Landon Donovan gets a start in each Everton game until he returns to the MLS.

 - The USSF announced that the US Mens National team will take on Turkey in an international friendly on May 29th in Philadelphia. This will the last match for the US before leaving for the World Cup in South Africa. The location should help the MLS expansion Philadelphia Union build up enthusiasm and ticket sales for the new club.

 - US midfielder Benny Feilhaber will be sidelined for several weeks after injuring his ankle. According to the initial scan Benny should be fine for the upcoming US friendlies, but additional tests will be ran in 10 days to determine the final analysis of the injury.

 - Euro 2012 is still two years away and most of the world's focus is on the pending World Cup, but that hasn't stopped several nations from launching bids for Euro 2016. France, Italy and Turkey have all submitted formal bids to host the European tournament. Euro 2016 will be first edition to feature 24 teams, up from 16.