Why did MLS veto Jesus Ferreira’s transfer from Dallas FC to Spartak Moskow?
With tensions between the U.S.A. and Russia at an all-time high, the stance that MLS has taken is not a surprise even if it comes as a bit of a shock.
What the striker hoped would be the next step in his career has seemingly been put on hold now that the league itself has brought an end to his proposed move. What that means for both him, the two clubs involved, and other players in the future will now have to be determined.
MLS won’t allow Jesus Ferreira to go to Russia
Jesus Ferreira is likely very unhappy this week after reports confirmed that the United States men’s national team striker will not be getting his desired move to Russian club Spartak Moskow. The news comes after Major League Soccer stepped in to veto a deal that would have seen Ferreira’s club - FC Dallas - receive $13 million in transfer fees. As per reports, the move was close to being finalized, however, unlike other leagues in the world transfers in MLS have to be approved by the league itself and not simply the two clubs involved in the deal.
Why would MLS block Jesus Ferreira’s transfer?
According to reports, the official reasoning given to Dallas was that there are risks involved in an American business doing business with Russian entities. At present, the United States has placed several sanctions on dealings with Russia due to the country’s ongoing involvement in the war in Ukraine. With that in mind, one can imagine that the idea of funds being exchanged between organizations on either side of the divide is complicated, to say the least. Further compounding the issue is the fact that Spartak Moskow is owned by Lukoil, a company that has been directly subjected to sanctions by the United States Treasury. It’s also worth noting that Russian clubs are currently barred from playing in all of UEFA’s competitions for the exact same reason: Ongoing involvement in the war in Ukraine. To date, neither Dallas nor MLS has provided any further comment
What does this mean for Jesus Ferreira’s future?
That’s a good question. In 141 matches for Dallas, the 23-year-old has scored 48 goals and contributed 28 assists which is to say he’s playing some of the best football of his career so far right here and now. In light of that, this is arguably the ideal moment for him to take the next step in his career. Even more so when considering that he’s currently locked into a fierce battle with FC Dallas teammate Ricardo Pepi for the starting spot with the national team. At this point, it remains unclear as to where if anywhere Ferreira will go, but what is clear is that he won’t be going to Russia. Dallas will kick off their season on February 24th when they face the San Jose Earthquakes.