We discussed it on Soccer Champions (Episode 6), and now action is taken! (coincidence? hmmmm) It's not full instant replay, but it's a start: BBC announced today that FIFA will use "goal line technology" at next year's World Club Championships. The video replay, which can be used in virtually real time, will help determine whether a ball did or did not cross the goal line, which would allow or disallow potential goals.

However, opposition apparantly remains to using a "video referee" for other aspects of the game. One step at a time, I guess.

Get ready for all of the Matchday 5 encounters, including Real Madrid-Lyon, Celtic-Man U, and Werder Bremen-Chelsea.

Questions or comments? Write us at scpodcast@gmail.com.

So following on to a story we discussed on episode 6, the MLS has in fact agreed to give each of its teams the opportunity to sign 1-2 players whose contracts would cause team salary caps to exceed the current $2 million limit. They're even calling it (somewhat humorously) the "Beckham Rule."

You can read more about this development here.

So, we want your feedback! Is this good news for Beckham? For MLS? Or will it end up being a mistake?

E-mail us at scpodcast@gmail.com with your opinion.

Relive the drama from Arsenal Stadium and the Nou Camp with our review of prime encounters from Matchday 4.

Plus we discuss the pros and cons of instant replay in soccer in response to a listener e-mail.

Also, is David Beckham coming to America to play in MLS? And why do some teams look unbeatable in European play, but struggle in their domestic leagues (or vice versa?).

On Episode 4 (10/14/06) we discussed the pros and cons (mostly pros) of the US men's national team playing in the Copa America, the South American national team tournament. Well, looks like the US Soccer Federation took our advice, as it was announced that the team will indeed participate in the tournament in Venezuela next summer. It remains to be seen what the makeup of the team will be, considering Copa America falls during the MLS (Major League Soccer, the top US domestic league) season and starts just 2 days after the conclusion of the Gold Cup, North America's national team tournament.

In other news discussed on Soccer Champions, looks like Jurgen Klinsmann has met with US Soccer to discuss the coaching vacancy. Bill and I hope he accepts! Refer to Episode 4 for more on this as well.