There's been confusion the past two days over how, exactly, FC Edmonton's season could be put in jeopardy if the Canadian Soccer Association is forced -- by direct pressure from FIFA -- to suspend Alberta.
Apparently, it is not a matter of where FCE's players are registered.
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According to rule 9, section (i) of the CSA's rules and regulations (page 43-44):
- A team must first be a member of province.
- The province then presents the team's application to CSA with recommendation.
- If the CSA approves, the club must become a member of both the provincial and national associations.
The confusion arises because CSA rules explicitly require a pro club to be a member of their province. The language is "shall be", not "may be."
It is the interpretation of this rule which could create serious problems for FC Edmonton, depending on the outcome of the ASA's annual general meeting next Saturday.
Onward!