The Daily Madness: An MLS Portland franchise?, The IOC sides with Platini, Mali players attacked in Toga, & more

- A group of MLS executives are set to visit Portland, Oregon, to assess the feasibility of placing an expansion franchise there by 2012. The committee will meet with Merritt Paulson among other local officials and businessmen to determine whether they have the proper facilities to maintain a club. The startup cost of an MLS franchise is $20m.

- The International Olympic Committee has placed their support behind UEFA President Michel Platini in his quest to take football out of the hands of profit for the better of the sport.