MLS Communism Kills Kandji Deal (UPDATE AGAIN!)

By: Dave Martinez | August 28th, 2008

Just when you thought the league turned the corner on ridiculous rules and regulations, we get this - MLS has blocked Red Bulls transfer of Atlanta Silverback standout, Kandji.

Grandfathering Carlos Ruiz is fine.

Grandfathering Landon Donovan? No problem Beckha . . . I mean Galaxy.

Allowing teams to label bogus discovery claims on players they have no intention of signing? Hunky Dory.

But not allowing the Red Bulls to use $200k of their own money, earned in deals like Jozy to Villarreal, which have lined the pockets of many an MLS official, is an absolute atrocity. Its a step backwards. Its unfair. Its downright Communism at its ugliest.

The Bulls developed Jozy, put money into infrastructure, player development, player signings - you name it, the Red Bull organization has earned its money here (whatever has been made!). Who has the right tell an organization what to do with its money, especially when they are playing within the convoluted rules? Is it because its a USL player? Or is this a feable attempt to protect smaller market teams from feeling jipped, since they do not have the funds of the Red Bulls Conglomerate? Come on now.

This is wrong on so many levels. But the one underlying message in all of this that I am getting is simple - MLS does not respect itself enough to believe that one of its own can handle a 200k transfer gamble. And that is a sad state of affairs for those of us who are under the illusions that MLS is becoming a world class league.

Its time to take the plunge MLS. Small steps like allowing the Red Bulls to use their money at their own discretion will build the credibility of the league, not only domestically, but worldwide. Blocking these moves just reinforces the image of MLS as a small, tepid yet totalitarion and fragile league. And these are small steps ladies and gentlemen - George Steinbrenner scratches his nose and 200K fall out.

Take the plunge MLS. Believe in your ownership. Allow teams more freedom. Its time to start letting go.

UPDATE: 4:30PM

- Metrofanatic.com was able to reach Ivan Gazidis, MLS Deputy Commissioner, for his comments on this move. He denied that MLS ever rejected any deal, and basically chalked it up to new media hype - “and of course blogs are driven by hits, not necessarily by the same standards as print media.” Check out what Metrofanatic has learned - click here!

UPDATE: 7:30PM

- I was watching GolTV, and according to their report, it was the Red Bulls who thought that 200K would be too much to spend for a partial season transfer fee, and withdrew! Believe what you will?

UPDATE 9:30pm