VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — world cup Vancouver, the host city, is at risk of losing its Major League Soccer club to another city.
MLS announced late Monday that it would “consider all options” regarding the Vancouver Whitecaps’ future, including moving outside the city. The club was put up for sale 16 months ago by an ownership group that includes former NBA star Steve Nash.
Limited revenue options and a short-term lease on host BC Place Stadium add to the uncertainty surrounding the team. 7 World Cup games Canada is scheduled to play Qatar and Switzerland in June and July.
“Losing an MLS club because of the World Cup is, in my opinion, a crime punishable by death,” FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani, a native of Vancouver, said last year.
On Saturday, fans holding “Save The Caps” placards protested at the team’s final home game before the stadium was occupied for the World Cup. There were over 27,000 visitors.
in statement late MondayThe Whitecaps said: “We have held serious discussions with over 100 interested parties, but to date no viable proposals have emerged to keep the club here.”
“Clubs face well-documented structural challenges, including stadium economics, venue access, and revenue constraints, which make it difficult to attract buyers keen to keep the team in Vancouver.”
Franchise fees that cost tens of millions of dollars to enter MLS 15 years ago are likely worth hundreds of millions of dollars now.
A team featuring German great Thomas Müller, Last year’s MLS Cup finallost 3-1 to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
