Yesterday I mused over the possibly “why” for CONCACAF’s de-sanctioning of the Ottawa Fury FC, and the potential steps that could be taken to resolve the situation. In a rare move, CONCACAF issued a public statement in response to the Fury’s media campaign.

Here’s their stance:

As we can see, I was correct in my assumption that CONCACAF was taking the position of the Canadian Premier League being an “Equivalent League.”

However, it appears that I did make an error. I had thought the Ottawa Fury FC were already sanctioned to play in the USL in 2019 and that it had been revoked. This statement reveals that they did not have proper sanctioning to play, and that the “exceptional circumstances” which granted them the sanctioning in prior years no longer exists.

Thus, they were not de-sanctioned. Their special exception was not renewed for 2 reasons:

Failure to ask for sanctioning in a timely manner. Failure to demonstrate the need for an exception to FIFA’s (and therefore CONCACAF, CSA, and USSF) rules.

As I mentioned yesterday, this serves as a pretty strong warning shot to other clubs in cross-border leagues. Duane Rollins took this one step further:



With the CanPL buying L1O, there is speculation that the plan is to bring that model to all parts of the country. When that happens, you would expect that the existing D3 teams be asked to return to Canada. Anyone operating a D3 team now would be wise to plan ahead with this in mind. Duane Rollins, Canada Soccer News

This move by CONCACAF certainly serves as a warning shot to the remaining USL League Two teams.

Of greatest concern to me is the fate of Thunder Bay Chill, as League1 Ontario exists and has been considered an equivalent league in the past. Existing L1O teams do not want to have to travel to Thunder Bay, nor does the chill want to travel throughout Southern Ontario. It’s a long and expensive journey, which could threaten the stability of the league.

Fury slam the door on CPL

Yesterday I laid out 5 options for resolution of this issue. The one I felt was most likely involved CONCACAF granting Fury the exception to play in USL for 2019, and setting a strict deadline for the transfer to the Canadian Premier League.

Then Tony Marinaro, of TSN 690 Montreal, received a door-slamming response:

I asked @OSEGMarkGoudie IF @Concacaf says ''We change our position, we will allow @OttawaFuryFC to play in 2019 @USLChampionship on condition that @OttawaFuryFC joins @CPLsoccer in 2020. Deal or No Deal?'' The reply to that by @OSEGMarkGoudie was ''NO DEAL.'' — Tony Marinaro (@TonyMarinaro) December 13, 2018

Mark Goudie just burned the CPL lifeline. With the Fury’s media-barrage against CONCACAF, they won’t be receiving any favours from them either. So what options remain?

I mentioned suing yesterday (Option A), but have done some more digging, and any disputes need to go through a FIFA Tribunal. FIFA has generally been hostile to cross-border leagues, which greatly weakens the Fury’s chances of success. Additionally, the tribunal is a very long and drawn-out process, which would effectively eliminate Ottawa Fury from playing in 2019. Fury’s likely loss at the tribunal would then effectively fold the team.

Begging for CPL’s forgiveness (Option B) is out, and thanks to Goudie’s antagonistic response to Marinaro’s question, so is negotiating a temporary reprieve from CONCACAF (Option D).

That leaves just two options. They can drop down and dominate the Quebec-based league, as their antagonism toward CPL would naturally exclude them from L1O as well (Option C). Or they can fold (Option E).

Another, albeit remote, option would be for Ottawa to move down to USL League One, forcing that league to tear-up the schedule they just released, and compete alongside TFC-II. Although once again, this would require CONCACAF to provide an exception to the standard rules, Ottawa would have a stronger footing to obtain that exception as there is no “equivalent league.”

I know which way I would like to see things play out, but we need to be realistic. In all likelihood, there will be no Ottawa Fury FC in 2019 or beyond. If OSEG sells the rights, we may see a return down the line, but this ownership group appears content to burn the bridges and blame it on everyone else.

Mourn the Fury

Today, I wear the original NASL Ottawa Fury FC jersey to mourn the loss of the team, much as I wore K-W United’s when they shuttered.

Truly, I hope I’m wrong.

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Shawn Gray Shawn Gray, father of two, has had a varied background, reflecting a life dedicated to learning and exploration. Having spent time living in 7 distinct cities of various sizes and character, Shawn adapts to his location and always aims to make the best of any situation. While in Ottawa, Shawn fell in love with Ottawa Fury FC, which led to him writing soccer-related articles for Northern Starting Eleven. A brief relocation to Victoria, British Columbia, gave him the opportunity to cheer on Victoria Highlanders FC. He stepped in to acquire NSXI in October 2016 and recruited additional authors from across the country to write about the soccer teams they love. Recently, Shawn returned to Greater Sudbury, Ontario. Employed as an Administrative Assistant, he continues to own & edit articles on the NSXI Network while cheering on his favourite teams from afar.

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