Administrators’ Axe Delayed again as American Trio Await

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Bocanegra, Bedoya and their team mates are awaiting the axe/Photo: Ger Harley/scottishfitba.net

Three American internationals are still facing uncertainty over their future as the administrators at crisis club Glasgow Rangers force budget cuts.

Reports in Scotland suggest that eleven players will have to be axed from the squad with the others forced to accept wage cuts of up to 50%. Control of the club was handed to administrators after their failure to pay a massive tax debt, and amid accusations they had used the taxman’s money to run the club.

Now the administrators, Duff and Phelps, have to select which employees including players, are to be kept on with the hope the club can continue, should an agreement with the UK government’s revenue service be agreed.

Carlos Bocanegra, Maurice Edu and Alejandro Bedoya are three of those waiting news. Press have signaled the announcement of releases the following day and then that announcement has been postponed amid talks with head coach Ally McCoist, Players Union reps and the administrators.

News was promised this week and for that to be kept, it would have had to arrive today. However, the decision was delayed yet again as the talks continue.

Bedoya has made few appearances and rumours surfaced last week of a transfer for a nominal fee. The midfielder, 24, has not had too many opportunities at the Glasgow club. His 13 US caps are five more than he has played in Scotland.

Edu is 25 and began his MLS career at Toronto. Talent wise, he would be a regular starter at most MLS clubs.

Bocanegra is Rangers vice captain. The 32-year-old started his MLS career with Chicago Fire. His status though should not suggest any longevity. Club captain Steven Davis has been widely trailed as a candidate for the chop.

Three international players who would not use an international slot in MLS must have caught they eye of at least one club here, who have salary cap space to spare.

MLS roster completion day was yesterday. While a club may continue to add or release players from its roster or training camp, the club’s official roster – players under contract – must remain within the MLS roster guidelines.

No trades may occur after the Roster Freeze Deadline of September 15, 2012 at 5 p.m. ET.

Of course given current trends, the best destination to keep them in the US squad would be the Bundesliga but French club Sochaux are known to have bid for Edu earlier in the season, a bid that Rangers – then presumably in denial about their real finances – declined.

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2 Comments

  1. Too Bad the MLS is so restrictive on Salary that it can’t find a place for good players to play. Do Chicago and Toronto want their former players back?

  2. Not sure that applies as much now with three DPs, and the young player DP rule.

    Interestingly, as you hint that the salary cap is holding MLS back, the SPL are considering introducing one to ensure financial stability.