MLS Pushes for Kaku Return to Red Bulls

photo by Matt Kremkau

Major League Soccer has filed a petition in federal court to enforce an arbitrator's ruling that Alejandro Romero Gamarra (Kaku) is still under contract to the New York Red Bulls. The player is currently playing in Saudi Arabia for Al-Taawoun, who signed him after claims that he was on a free transfer.

"Each additional game that Kaku plays for Al-Taawoun not only constitutes a continuing breach of the CBA and the Standard Player Agreement but also the Arbitrator's Award," MLS stated in their filing.

Both the players union and league have not commented on the petition but both parties appear to not be close to resolving the situation. It began when Kaku signed with the Saudi Arabian club despite the Red Bulls claiming they had exercised the option for an additional year on his contract. The player's managerial team claims they were never notified and that it was a breach of contract, allowing for the player to go free.

An independent arbitrator ruled in favor of the New York Red Bulls but little has been done to resolve the situation. More than likely, New York is looking for a transfer fee for the player, as bringing him back would more than likely affect the current locker room harmony.

Kaku himself has done little in regards to the arbitrator's decision. He was ordered to stop playing for the Saudi Arabian club but has ignored that ruling and forced New York's and the league's hand with a court filing.

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