Crew, Sounders resolve contract issue over Sigi Schmid

Dec 13, 2008 - 12:31 AM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The tampering issue surrounding Columbus Crew coach Sigi Schmid and the expansion Seattle Sounders FC apparently has been resolved.

The clubs reached a resolution on Friday, with Seattle agreeing to send allocation money and cash to Columbus, which Schmid led to the MLS Cup title last month.

Schmid, who also won a league championship with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2002, had been courted by the Sounders at the conclusion of the 2008 season. However, once they offered the veteran coach a contract, the Crew stepped in and filed tampering charge, putting any potential agreement on hold.

Columbus claimed that Schmid had contact with Seattle after being denied permission during the season to speak with other teams. The Columbus Dispatch reported on Thursday that, ironically, the Crew's tampering charge was part of what led Schmid to officially decide not to return to the team.

Major League Soccer investigated for any potential tampering but announced Friday that it found no evidence of such an act by Seattle. Schmid and the Sounders now can proceed with contract negotiations.