MLS accuses Manchester City of ‘error of judgment’ over Frank Lampard deal

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/04/frank-lampard-mls-don-garber-manchester-city

Version 0 of 1.

Don Garber, the Major League Soccer commissioner, has accused Manchester City of an “error in judgment” in the handling of Frank Lampard’s failed move to New York City FC though denied the American franchise is merely a farm club for the English champions.

City and NYCFC are both owned by Sheikh Mansour, through his parent company, the City Football Group (CFG). Lampard had seemingly moved to City on loan last summer after signing a contract with NYCFC before it emerged last week the midfielder had never agreed any terms with the American franchise.

While it is now thought Lampard actually signed a deal with CFG, the 36-year-old was widely quoted at the time as having joined NYCFC and had an official unveiling for the club in New York.

This led to NYCFC supporters buying season tickets and The Third Rail, an independent supporters group, claiming “outrage” at the decision taken on New Year’s Eve to extend Lampard’s spell at City until the end of the season.

Speaking about the matter for the first time, Garber, who has been in contact with the City and NYCFC chief executive, Ferrano Soriano, regarding the affair, was clear that City were to blame. “If there was an error in judgment on this, it was not just announcing that he would come in July and figuring out how to manage the start of the season, no different than what happened with Robbie Keane or Thierry Henry or David Beckham,” he told Sports Illustrated.

“I could understand why their fans are unhappy, and I do believe [NYCFC] will work hard to build back that trust. They’ve started that process already. I sensed this was coming and it didn’t surprise me when they ultimately made their decision.

“You’re dealing with a very unusual set of circumstances. Frank has become one of the most important players in Man City’s season and he’s scored critical goals to have them tied for first place in the Premier League.

“They were faced with a difficult decision. I’m going to be supportive of all our ownership groups, making them aware of my point of view. But we need to work hard now to move forward and recognise that Frank will be joining this team in July along with other Designated Players, who throughout the history of the Designated Player program have almost always joined in July.

“I think it’s important to say this: These guys [NYCFC] are very committed to MLS and committed to New York .... They have made an unprecedented investment in MLS and New York City, and they are going to continue to do so.”

Garber denied that the manner in which Lampard has been acquired by City indicates NYCFC is merely a feeder club.

“I don’t think it is a farm team for Man City,” he said. “With this decision, while I can understand people will try to think that, the level of investment that this ownership group is making with the club is massive and it rivals some of the bigger clubs around the world.

“This kind of decision is not something in my view that in any way says this is a farm team for Man City. I don’t believe in all my dealings with them that they have led us to believe that’s true.”

Regarding Liverpool’s Stevan Gerrard, who is moving to the MLS when he leaves Liverpool in May, Garber would not be drawn on which franchise the midfielder will join. “Discussions are taking place with his representatives and we expect more details soon. I can’t say anything further than that. Nothing is signed,” he said.