Canadian champion Calgary United won’t go to world indoor soccer tourney

Canada’s reigning national indoor soccer champions won’t be going to the inaugural FIFRA world club championships in February. FIFRA, which is the governing body of arena soccer (indoor soccer with boards, not to be confused with futsal) is planning to hold the first ever world club championships, tentatively set for February in Mexico. Calgary United FC, the reigning champions of the Canadian Major Indoor Soccer League, would be eligible to represent this country. But CMISL president Mel Kowalchuk confirmed that Calgary won’t go to the tournament. “Because of the differences in our schedules (the CMISL and the U.S. based Professional Arena Soccer League) it was decided that our champion would not go to Mexico, but instead to a new North American championship next October.” According to Kowalchuk plans are in the works to bring the champs of the PASL’s top circuit, the Mexican champs, the CMISL winners and the host Anaheim Bolts together in an October tournament. Up to this season, the PASL had scheduled interleague games against the CMISL; but, because the CMISL schedule isn’t ready at the moment, the PASL went ahead without scheduling any Canadian trips. Last season, the CMISL had just three teams — Calgary, Edmonton Drillers and Winnipeg Alliance. But Winnipeg president Tony Pesce said on Monday that his team would not be back in 2012. FEATURED: Canadian teams not on PASL’s schedule for 2011-12; new championship format announced (CLICK) Calgary United routs Drillers, takes CMISL title (CLICK)