Updates on a potential MLS logo change and Chivas USA’s possible “tampering”

Hints from ProSoccerTalk late Sunday of a logo change for Major League Soccer had so many domestic supporters in an enthusiastic tizzy.

Who knew so many people were this into branding? Seems that everyone does love them some logo talk. Even NBC pal Arlo White messaged me about it, in a distinctly British-accented tizzy, I assume.

I ran some traps at Major League Soccer and was told any logo change chatter was better characterized as “preliminary,” and quite so. Marketing movement is rampant at the league’s New York HQ, and in a wide variety of areas. This very week, for instance, is Jersey Week in MLS, where a full baker’s dozen of clubs are unveiling new kits.

Talk of logos and spinning the branding wheel fell under a larger umbrella, more macro than micro, apparently. (Which does not mean it won’t happen … just not in the immediate future.)

Said MLS executive VP of communications Dan Courtemanche in a short, prepared statement: “We regularly review all aspects of our business operations, including marketing.  While the possibility of a new or refined MLS logo has been discussed, no final decisions have been made.”

Judging by the traffic that careened in great numbers to our piece Sunday, perhaps MLS needs to give the notion a strong “think;” plenty of MLS supporters seemed to check the box beside “Fine idea!”

We also told you last week that Chivas USA may be in a little hot water. The wee naughty deed here, surely more about MLS unfamiliarity than any skullduggery or message sending, had the club’s new manager talking up his desire to one day snag Gabriel and Michael Farfan from Philadelphia.

League director of communications Will Kuhns told me the ignition for any league action would come from a club, not the league itself. In this case the Philadelphia Union would need to file an official complaint; that hasn’t happened as yet.

Kuhns also winced at the characterization of Jose Luis Sanchez Sola’s words as tampering, wondering if his misdemeanor offense (my words, not Kuhns’) rose to the level of the league’s definition?

Which is (from the official league rules) …

Tampering means any attempt, whether direct or indirect, to hire, negotiate with, make an offer to or influence a Player on another team (or his representative) or an employee or another Team Operator without first receiving written consent from that Team Operator.”

Maybe we’ll go with “Tampering-lite” and let it go with a warning.