That's because MLS sources say Arnoux could go into the draft next year or weighted lottery might be used to determine his ultimate destination. I'm not sure why that's necessary, needed, or right.
Duane Rollins is of the same mind, though he brings up the ideological struggle that always seems to come with these type of MLS issues. I'm not sure I sit on one side or the other; I'm fiscally conservative enough as an observer of the league to think that controls are necessary. That being said, if Vancouver signed an out-of-contract professional to a contract and would like to bring him up to MLS when they make the move next year, I can't find a reason they shouldn't be allowed to.
The league looks foolish if they hold onto these notions of parity, imposing seemingly arbitrary rules to players like Arnoux, while at the same time encouraging teams to spend more than they ever have before. If New York is able to go out and sign three expensive stars at seven figure salaries, why is Vancouver not allowed to keep a player who was already a professional and fits none of the usual criteria for either the draft or a lottery?
MLS seems to be of two minds here. I'm not advocating for the revocation of the dispersal rules, at least not yet. But forcing Vancouver to either draft Arnoux next year (as they could do) or lose him completely makes little sense. If he wants to play in Vancouver, he should be able to play in Vancouver.
