According to the New York Times, Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star and basketball legend, stepped into a different spotlight this week, testifying in a federal trial in Brooklyn that could impact American soccer. The trial centers on accusations by the North American Soccer League (NASL) against the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and Major League Soccer (MLS), alleging a conspiracy to block NASL from competing at the highest levels.
Anthony’s testimony focused on his experience as the owner of Puerto Rico FC, a team he purchased in 2015 to help revitalize the island. “I wanted to bring something back to my island,” Anthony said. Under his leadership, Puerto Rico FC joined NASL in 2016 and quickly became a source of pride for the community. However, its progress was derailed by Hurricane Maria in 2017, which devastated the island, leaving the team without a stadium or resources.
At the same time, USSF denied NASL Division II sanctioning for the 2018 season, forcing the league to suspend operations. NASL argues that USSF, influenced by its close ties to MLS, deliberately sabotaged the league’s chances of success. USSF and MLS counter that NASL failed due to poor management and connections to the 2015 FIFA bribery scandal.
Anthony described the joy and unity Puerto Rico FC brought to the island, recounting his efforts to attract sponsors and engage the community. “I saw happiness and pride in the people,” he testified, adding that the USSF’s decision dealt a crushing blow to the team.
This is not the first time the MLS have gone to battle with other US based soccer leagues. Recently, USL fans have raised concerns about what they perceive as an organized effort to hinder the league’s growth. One claim suggests that MLS sought to disrupt the USL by introducing an MLS Next Pro team in Jacksonville shortly after the USL announced a new USL Championship team, Sporting Jax, in the same city. Additionally, questions have been raised about a rumor of the MLS awarding a club to Indianapolis following the USL team Indy Eleven’s announcement of a $1 billion stadium project was approved by the city. A project that had now been at least hindered by the claims.
Puerto Rico was recently back in soccer news with the announcement of a new USL championship team headed to the island. it will be interesting to see how this place out in court, but it’s important to understand that the MLS is an independent company and not a non-for-profit that needs to assist in the betterment of other leagues.
However, the trial has revealed internal communications from key soccer executives, providing a rare glimpse into the politics of American soccer. This glimpse behind the curtain makes this a very interesting case to follow for any soccer fan.
FBD
