Unattached goalkeeper Josh Cohen has filed a complaint against Atlanta United after alleging the club violated MLS rules while attempting to sign him.
According to an article published by The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Cohen’s representatives allege that Atlanta negotiated with the goalkeeper in bad faith to keep him on their discovery list.
MLS discovery process means a team has to make a "genuine, objectively reasonable offer" to keep a player on their list if another team wants him.
Complaint alleges Atlanta didn't do that, saying the final offer would have had Cohen in MLS Next Pro (3rd tier) until the winter. https://t.co/i6hizyDIOv
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) September 20, 2023
Josh Cohen unhappy with MLS outfit
2023 MLS roster rules state that teams must make a “genuine, objectively responsible offer” to keep a player on their discovery list within three days if another MLS club offers $500,00 for the player’s discovery rights.
Cohen’s complaint alleges Atlanta did not do that and claims that The Five Stripes’ final contract proposal before the deadline of September 15 would have placed him in the club’s second team for the rest of the season.
With Atlanta holding his rights, the Californian shot-stopper could not negotiate with any other MLS clubs despite not being under contract.
As a free agent, Cohen can sign for a club abroad now but is now unable to pursue a move to another American club until the winter.
