MLS is making up rules again. According to the Columbus Dispatch, there is a separate allocation order for Designated Players entering (or re-entering) the league. Amazingly, that rule is nowhere to be found in the MLS rules and regulations.
MLS has a separate allocation order for Designated Players
There’s the allocation order and then the double secret allocation order.
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
So what is this new rule? It means that the allocation order, which has been in place since the start of the league to ensure internationals -- mainly United States internationals -- are spread around the league, doesn't apply to players who are Designated Players. We knew that players of a "certain threshold" like Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey weren't subject to the allocation order, but apparently now it is all DPs.
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But DPs can’t just go to any club they want. If they are not of a “certain threshold” then they still have to go through allocation, just a different allocation. It’s a double secret allocation that the public didn’t know existed until today.
So if Mix Diskerud comes to MLS? Double secret allocation!
How about if Alejandro Bedoya or Jozy Altidore come to MLS? Double secret allocation!
Unless they meet that threshold, in which case no double secret allocation.
Of course, DaMarcus Beasley is a DP and the Houston Dynamo had to trade up in the allocation order to get him so the double secret allocation isn't a set in stone thing. It's more as needed, which is pretty much in line with how MLS operates.
The current double secret allocation order is presumably as follows:
1. LA Galaxy
2. New York Red Bulls
3. NYCFC
4. LA Galaxy
5. Seattle Sounders
6. NYCFC
7. David Beckham
8. LA Galaxy
It is possible that the Dispatch has this all wrong and double secret allocation doesn’t exist. But this is MLS, where a new rule can be floated in the middle of the season pertaining to the potential best players in the league and completely altering the MLS Cup race, and we believe it. It’s because they have done it before, and they will do it again. There is an argument that it is necessary for the league and the right thing for them to do, as well as one that it holds the league back. That can be hashed out in the double secret MLS offices.
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