Major League Soccer (MLS) has imposed a substantial fine of $13,500 on Los Angeles FC coach Steve Cherundolo following his scathing critique of his club’s recent match played amidst blizzard-like conditions. The league cited Cherundolo’s comments as a breach of its public criticism policy.
The match, held in Sandy, Utah, saw Los Angeles FC emerge victorious with a 3-0 scoreline against Real Salt Lake despite battling heavy snowfall and lightning strikes. Initially scheduled for kickoff, the match was delayed by two hours due to the adverse weather conditions. However, just 3:42 into play, the game was halted again, this time due to lightning, before eventually resuming almost an hour later.
By the time the match recommenced, the playing field was blanketed in snow, with the accumulation continuing throughout the game. Halfway through the match, field maintenance crews were compelled to shovel snow to ensure key areas such as the center line, goal boxes, and 18-yard boxes remained visible, albeit barely.
As the game progressed, visibility deteriorated significantly, presenting a major challenge for players and officials alike. Cherundolo didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration, labeling the conditions as “impossible” rather than merely difficult. He described the situation as “an absolute joke” and lambasted the decision to proceed with the match, citing concerns over player safety. Cherundolo went as far as calling it “one of the worst professional sporting events” he had ever witnessed, expressing regret for subjecting his players to such conditions.
Cherundolo, a seasoned figure in American soccer, is currently in his third season as coach of Los Angeles FC. His tenure has seen the franchise reach significant milestones, including clinching the MLS title in 2022. Prior to his coaching career, Cherundolo enjoyed a distinguished playing career, representing the United States in the FIFA World Cup tournaments of 2006 and 2010.
While Cherundolo’s comments reflect a genuine concern for player welfare, they have landed him in hot water with the league. The hefty fine imposed serves as a reminder of the league’s stringent policies regarding public criticism. However, it also reignites the debate surrounding the prioritization of player safety in adverse weather conditions and the responsibilities of leagues and officials in ensuring a safe and fair playing environment.
As the fallout from this incident unfolds, Cherundolo and MLS may find themselves engaged in a broader conversation about striking a balance between upholding the integrity of the sport and safeguarding the well-being of its participants. In the meantime, both parties will need to navigate the aftermath of this contentious episode, mindful of the broader implications for the future of soccer in adverse weather conditions.