Donovan deal stalls due to FIFA ruling
Unfortunately FIFA have now confirmed that MLS can only obtain players from foreign sides between the periods of January 1st - March 1st and from August 15th - September 15th. If Donovan is loaned out under such rulings it seems logical that he will not be able to return to San Hose Earthquakes until August.
'With Donovan, we have an agreement with the player, Leverkusen and the American club for a loan deal,' Mandaric said. 'But it's an unfortunate situation as we've run into problems with FIFA.'
Donovan, who has 15 goals in 45 international appearances, helped the U.S. team reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup and San Jose win last year's MLS title.
'We have been in discussions with multiple clubs in the EPL and well as with US Soccer and MLS to arrange a loan deal with Landon through the end of the EPL season,' said Donovan's agent Richard Motzkin. 'At this point, we are trying to work through the new FIFA regulations to determine whether this is possible. We should have a resolution by the end of the week.'
FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren said soccer's governing body could not respond until its legal department could be contacted Tuesday.