The ghost of the 2019 MLS season visited the LA Galaxy on Friday as the club will pay dearly for the infraction in fines totaling $2 million in two categories.
Major League Soccer announced sanctions – $1 million fine to the club and $1 million loss of available future General Allocation Money – imposed on the Galaxy for violating salary budget and roster guidelines during the 2019 campaign.
The league said the club entered into agreements that were not disclosed and that included payments that were not accounted for in the calculation of Cristian Pavon’s salary budget and roster category. The undisclosed agreements and payments resulted in the improper classification of Pavon as a Target Allocation Money player in 2019 as Pavon should have occupied a Designated Player slot.
Besides the fines, the Galaxy also will be prohibited from registering a player who requires the receipt of an International Transfer Certificate from outside of the United States and Canada during the secondary transfer window in 2023.
For his involvement in the agreements, LA Galaxy president Chris Klein has been suspended from any sporting-related responsibilities through the conclusion of the primary transfer window in 2023. During that time, Greg Vanney will be promoted to sporting director and will report directly to AEG president and CEO Dan Beckerman.
Former general manager Dennis te Kloese will be required to submit an application with the office of commissioner Don Garber should he wish to secure employment with any MLS club.