A source with the Canadian Soccer Association stated that the organization would support any club looking to play soccer in Canada. It was also clear that the association would also support any ownership group that would move an existing club into Canada. Our source talked about the number of markets in Canada that could sustain a pro team. Ottawa is not the only city that has looked into bringing a franchise into town. Canada has a great deal to offer; the Nutrilite Canadian Championship is probably the first thing that comes to mind.
However, our contact said that not one person with the association has heard anything about a move north for the City Stars. Sources in the Vancouver and Montreal areas confirmed this, saying that they were completely unaware of such a move, suggesting that this interested group was never involved in servious, high-level discussions. This matches what we have been reporting, that the City Stars have already been purchased by a group based here in the U.S. It is unclear why the new ownership group is apprehensive about being named at this point in the story. The City Stars reportedly had an opportunity to announce the sale at their team banquet, but declined as “many fans were in attendance.” We have to wonder if this is indeed a signal that the club is on the move.
The problem with this story is the mixed messages we have received from our 25+ sources. Two sources from outside the club confirmed that negotiations between the club and their broadcast partner have continued. This gives us hope that a local ownership group could have been involved at some point. Additionally the official website of the City Stars now lists January 2010 as the date for the “Cleveland City Stars open tryout” and April 2010 as the “Cleveland City Stars Second Season in the USL-1”. You have to wonder if this is a small sign that they will remain in Cleveland and in the First Division.
We have contacted Mr. Tim Holt, President of the United Soccer Leagues, with the intent of receiving an official statement from the league. It is important to get the leadership’s perspective on such an important story. We hope that he can offer some insight on this challenging situation.
