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MLS should whisper its frustration over Lampard amongst itself

By on January 8, 2015

This whole Frank Lampard debacle has become one big headache for the MLS. New York City FC, the new kids on the block set to debut in the MLS next season, have made their first impression upon the league and a bad one at that. Right of the bat, they’ve made their intentions clear, if it was ever in doubt – New York City FC is second fiddle to City Football Group’s first investment, Manchester City. It took a crude mistake for that to be made clear recent Frank Lampard saga.

For those who don’t know, Lampard was thought to be joining New York as a Designated Player as of August 1st, with a “loan” move to City in the winter to keep him fit for when the MLS season starts again. David Villa, City’s other major DP made a similar move to Melbourne City FC. However, as Lampard made a massive contribution to City’s campaign in a period where The Sky Blues suffered multiple midfield injuries, City Football Group decided to extend the move which was originally called a “loan” to the end of the EPL season, to the anger of NYCFC. Given that NYCFC had heavily marketed Lampard even more so than Villa, season ticket holders are livid, many requesting refunds. And now, the details regarding the move have become even more muddled, with nobody really knowing if Lampard will ever move to New York and who actually owns his contract, which is thought to be City Football Group and not New York City FC itself.

The move obviously show were City Football Group’s priorities lie, so now what message does the MLS send back? It’s a more complicated situation than many make it seem.

Yes, NYCFC fans have every right to be very angry. It was a big mistake for City Football Group to market Lampard the way they did. More so than even dressing the club almost identically to Manchester City, this indicates the group views MLS as second rate. It is a mess for not only the club but MLS, yet the MLS owners will be hesitant to take much action. City Football Group are, after all, pouring millions into the league and attracting the star players like Lampard, who will, eventually make his way to the league in all likelihood. Most people seem to have forgotten Villa, only a year ago a massive factor in Atletico Madrid’s title winning season, will be at the club from the start. City Football Group can only be positive for the MLS. It provides then a direct link to take part of the Premier League’s fanbase, exactly what they want. The group’s investment in the league brings in money, star players, attention from Europe, and all around more fans.

We don’t want to drive them away, and perhaps more importantly, other potential investors considering the same path. Individually, NYCFC fans paying for season tickets or likewise should ask for refunds if they want. They should let the club know that it is a sore issue. If you would have only supported NYCFC because of Lampard’s involvement from day one (keep in mind he will most likely be there by the end of the EPL season), maybe support another club like the New York Red Bulls. NYCFC’s mistake should not go unpunished. They need to know that the same mistake in two or three years, when the MLS will be less reliant on their investment, will be a bigger insult. However, public pressure from MLS and society as a whole should be toned down. Until that second time happens, if it does at all, MLS needs to keeping its relations with the club good until it outgrows relying on the group, when multiple others are lined up at the door as well.

At the moment, MLS is second fiddle to the Premier League. An episode like this, possibly with another club, is likely to happen again. Until MLS is seriously competing with the EPL instead of floating around it, MLS can have warning signs raised, but needs to whisper its frustration amongst itself.

About Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan, founder of Football Every Day, lives and breaths football from the West Coast of the United States in California. Aside from founding Football Every Day in January of 2013, Alex has also launched his own journalism career and hopes to help others do the same with FBED. He covers the San Jose Earthquakes as a beat reporter for QuakesTalk.com and his work has also been featured in the BBC's Match of the Day Magazine.