NEW YORK (December 12, 2008) – Major League Soccer announced today that the Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders FC resolved a potential contractual issue regarding former Crew coach Sigi Schmid. Columbus acquired allocation money and cash from Seattle, thus releasing Schmid from contractual obligations and allowing him to proceed with his contract negotiations with Seattle. In connection with this matter, Major League Soccer found no evidence of tampering by Seattle Sounders FC.

And the Sounders position?

Via The Seattle Times

Seattle Sounders FC general manager Adrian Hanauer’s official statement on the matter:
“We believe Sigi is the best coach in Major League Soccer and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to
pursue contract negotiations with him,” said Hanauer. “There were never any improprieties and the
league’s statement confirms this. There was some language in his contract that was ambiguous, but rather
than going through a long, drawn out process we came to an agreement.”

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