The Los Angeles signing that could divide the team’s fans

Time and again, football has proven to be more than just a game, carrying political and social weight far beyond the pitch. A recent controversy in Major League Soccer (MLS) has reignited this reality, as a sporting decision spills over into a much deeper historical and cultural debate.

According to information from LAFCdaniel, the possible signing of Turkish player Cengiz Ünder from Fenerbahçe by Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) has sparked opposition from the club’s Armenian supporters. The group, known as “LAFC The Armenians,” issued a statement urging the front office to reconsider the move.

LAFC has maintained a close relationship with Los Angeles’ Armenian community, even launching an “Armenian Heritage Night” in 2023. The event was met with overwhelming support and has since become an annual tradition, held on July 12 for two consecutive years.

Los Angeles is home to the largest Armenian diaspora outside of Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, making cultural identity an integral part of the city’s fabric. This deep-rooted presence is precisely why the potential signing of a Turkish player has sparked such a reaction, rekindling the memory of a century-old conflict.

What is the conflict between Armenia and Türkiye?

In April 1915, the ruling Young Turks of the Ottoman Empire ordered the arrest of a large portion of the Armenian Christian intellectual and political elite, viewing them as a threat. These detentions led to executions and mass deportations, often in inhumane conditions, resulting in widespread death from starvation, illness, or execution by Turkish firing squads.

An estimated 600,000 Armenians lost their lives in these massacres. While Turkey acknowledges that the events took place, it does not classify them as genocide, a stance that continues to fuel tensions between the two nations to this day.

Armenian roots in LAFC

As previously mentioned, LAFC has taken steps to honor Armenian heritage, but the connection runs even deeper within the club itself. John Thorrington, LAFC’s general manager and co-president, has publicly shared that both he and his mother have Armenian ancestry – a personal link that further intertwines the club with the community.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.