By Ridge Mahoney
Discussions were held last night to resolve the situation of Brazilian midfielder Fred, who is poised to join D.C. United though his contract with Australian club Melbourne doesn't expire until June 30.
Under FIFA rules, players under contract are free to negotiate with other clubs during the last six months of their contract's duration. The Australian season ended in February, with Fred setting up four goals as Melbourne romped over Adelaide 6-0, in the Grand Final, but the club has stubbornly refused to sign off on his services.
Fred arrived in the U.S. yesterday in anticipation of a deal being finalized so he can start training with D.C. Melbourne surely wants money as compensation, but perhaps D.C. can assuage Melbourne by other means, i.e., with a match between the clubs.
To acquire keeper Greg Sutton from USL club Montreal, Toronto FC agreed to play the Impact a friendly. When Pat Onstad left Rochester for San Jose a few years ago, the deal included a match between the teams.
How about the Aussie-Yanks Cup, or Trans-Pacific Classic?