Orlando City FC has been fined for a “spying” incident that happened against Sacramento Republic FC ahead of their U.S. Open Cup final, according to an ESPN report.
The incident involves a member of the Orlando City staff who watched a Sacramento practice held in a central Florida park just prior to the cup final matchup. Orlando City went on the win the final 3-0. It was the Major League Soccer team’s first US Open Cup trophy in its history.
US Soccer determines Orlando City fined for spying
Sacramento noticed the staffer at the training and subsequently asked him to leave the area. They also alleged that the staffer refused to depart the facility and stayed to watch the practice. The USL Championship team went on to assert that this staffer was asked many times within a 30-45 minute period.
After failure in asking the individual to depart, Sacramento even parked vans near the area in an attempt obstruct the view of the staffer. These efforts, however, were unsuccessful as the person just moved to a different location.
Although U.S. Soccer Federation did issue a fine for the team, they could not determine if Orlando City officially sent the staffer to watch the practice. For instance, USSF was unable to prove that any spying or information gathering took place. Nevertheless, the governing body did feel as though his presence at the facility still warranted action. The individual in question supposedly claimed that he was there to meet a friend in the area.
Orlando City in violation of US Open Cup policies
There is a clear rule in the USSF U.S. Open handbook on this subject. Section 306 states that “anyone may file a complaint with the Panel about an action or inaction of an Open Cup team, individual, or group or organization participating in the Open Cup competition.
“The Panel shall determine if the conduct complained of is or would be contrary to the good of the game. The Panel shall take action it considers appropriate in regard to anyone involved in the complaint as provided by subsection (c) of this section.”
Loving every moment with the Cup 🏆⬆️ @opencup | #DaleMiAmor pic.twitter.com/eYFIflw3E8
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) September 8, 2022
The rule goes on to suggest that a fine was the appropriate action. “Except for overturning match results or mandating a replay of a match, the Panel may take any action it considers appropriate, including suspension or fine, or both, for any matter considered by it under this policy.”
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Roberto
September 18, 2022 at 5:44 pm
Instead of rehashing this almost week old story would not it been better to report on the record attendance at the San Diego Wave Angel City FC. 32,000 people were at this NWSL game!
Christopher Harris
September 18, 2022 at 6:47 pm
Roberto, there’s no rehashing. This is a story that broke on Saturday.
Roberto
September 18, 2022 at 8:48 pm
It was yesterday morning but why it was back up as the top story got my attention. I really wanted to a way to get the San Diego Wave story recognized.
But now after thinking about the above and rereading other news about the fine, I wonder why it is covered, again.
The fine was under $10,000 and should be paid by the jerk who hung around the park. Everyone knew what the Republic’s plan was, park the bus and hope for a counter-attack. If that did not work, Maybe win via penalties. So, there is no real story here, Orlando blew them out in the second half, end of.
Justin Knowles
September 17, 2022 at 6:26 pm
Yes not only a public park but one that Orlando City Academy coaches etc uses for practices. Spying suggest disguise, breaking into a private facility and even filming. None was even suggested.
Justin
September 18, 2022 at 5:56 pm
Dude, the person was asked to leave multiple times. Sure it was a public park that was closed off for Sacramento to practice.
Jeffery
September 20, 2022 at 10:42 pm
I hope Sacramento releases the tape of them shooing away the Orlando City dude. I mean if he didn’t nothing wrong then video will him up. Orlando was justly fined
Jesus Christ
September 17, 2022 at 1:38 pm
It’s a public park.