The Problem with the MLS Single Entity Approach

Well, actually there are many problems, but this one, as described at Soccer By Ives just takes the cake for me.

The New York Red Bulls' striking capability has been spotty this year, all the more so since the departure of Jozy Altidore. NY has focused on signing strikers to get some depth back at the position, and they have done so. But they also wanted to sign 23 year old Senegalese striker Macoumba Kandji from USL-1 side Atlanta Silverbacks. Atlanta said, sure, the transfer fee is $200,000.

Compared to other prices and fees, it was not a bad deal. New York had the money (transfer fees have to be paid with allocation money and NY had enough), figured the valuation by Atlanta was fair and everyone was happy.


Except the MLS who balked saying that it set a dangerous precedent for dealings with the USL.

So the question is why?

This is one of the biggest problems to come down the MLS pike in recent months. It is bad enough that clubs are saddled with a salary cap and some pretty inane and arcane rules regarding allocation money, allocation rights, drafts, etc. MLS approval on transfers however, has got to stop. If an MLS side has the money, the transfer is within the rules, both the acquiring side and the selling side clubs agree on the fee and the player is happy to make the move, why should MLS stand in the way.

This is not the way to run a league and when stuff like this happens, it seems more and more like MLS are just making things up as they go along. That is what makes them a Mickey Mouse league.