NASL vs MLS: owner speaks on US Soccer lawsuit
- Matthew Klimberg
The USSF controversially decided to strip NASL of their second division status last month, which has sparked the legal battle. Spearheading the NASL’s lawsuit is Riccardo Silva, owner of Miami FC, and Rocco Commissio, owner of the New York Cosmos.
The Miami FC owner – whose partner is Paolo Maldini, and manager is Alessandro Nesta – spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy about his rationale for the lawsuit, and why he thinks creating a promotion/relegation structure in the United States is critical.
The media magnate, Silva, said, “This is not a war, only a peaceful request to know if what is being played in the US is football or something different. I want to know the reason why all the world championships are set by promotion and relegation, while this is the only country that does not comply with the FIFA statute. In short, I demand clarity.”
"We are the proof of this injustice. In the summer we beat and eliminated two of the best MlS teams in the National Cup, the US Open Cup (Orlando and Atlanta). We won the Spring title with 10 points, and we are heading to the fall. But as a reward by the federation we are retired with the whole League. There are political reasons behind it. this is a clear retaliation.”
Silva used the New York Cosmos as an example of his accusations of collusion. "The Cosmos have won the championship last season, but this year Minnesota United has gone to MLS. Minnesota United that has pledged 100 million for promotion. What moral rule is this? I put it on the same level as the one who pays to win a game. That's why I'm sure Fifa, who has started with Infantino a new course of transparency, will intervene to fix the anomaly.”
"The United States for its dedication, wealth and quality they should fight with the top teams in the world. But without competitiveness, it will not improve. Why in the United States did not you ever find a top class like Leo Messi? Why their Fifa ranking has been falling in recent years (now number 28, but was 14th in 2013)? The success of a movement is born from the bottom.”
He concluded with a powerful statement. “Nobody has incentives to invest in smaller teams unless there is a guarantee that in the event of a win in the field will be eligible for promotion."
