'No formal decision has been made' : CS Saint-Laurent issues statement following CPL expansion discussion
Ligue1 Québec champions CS Saint-Laurent have issued a statement following a story by The Wanderers Notebook which reported the Montréal-based club was in talks with the CPL about potential expansion.
Sources briefed on negotiations told The Wanderers Notebook CS Saint-Laurent had entered into preliminary expansion talks with the CPL in recent weeks. The club also had garnered interest from several investors, potentially making a leap to the country's domestic league possible.
In their statement, CS Saint-Laurent general manager Mateo Cabanettes said the club is honoured by recent interest but that any potential changes remain speculative at this stage.
"We appreciate the recognition of the CPL and their recognition of the success of Ligue1 clubs across Canada," he said. "The possibility of joining the CPL in the future is an exciting prospect, but we understand that it requires careful consideration and the right conditions for our organization to thrive. This includes securing a committed ownership group and securing a viable stadium solution, among other factors."
At this time, continues the statement, CS Saint-Laurent is committed to their current goals in Ligue1 Québec.
"To date, no formal decision has been made and we remain dedicated to our mission within Ligue1 Québec. We will continue to keep our supporters and the community informed of any significant developments," said Cabanettes.
The club's full statement is available here.
When contacted for comment, the CPL's senior director of communications, Laura Armstrong, said they won’t disclose any ongoing discussions as it relates to potential league expansion at this time.
“We are proud of the success of our League1 clubs across Canada and welcome the possibility of any such organization joining the Canadian Premier League in future. As with any expansion discussion, our priority is finding the right conditions for an organization to be successful, including but not limited to a passionate fan base, committed ownership group and stadium solution,” wrote Armstrong in an emailed response.
Previously, CS Saint-Laurent sporting director Rocco Placentino declined to comment on expansion talks but did explain the Province of Québec's need for another professional outfit.
“We’ve been saying it for a while: we need a CPL team in Québec,” said Placentino in an interview earlier in the week with The Wanderers Notebook. “We have a ton of talent here in Québec and we want to showcase them. I don’t think just having CF Montréal, which I love dearly because I played for them for five years and they’re the team I have at heart, is enough but I think they would appreciate having more avenues for kids in our province.”
CS Saint-Laurent are scheduled to face MLS side Toronto FC on May 21 for the second leg of their Canadian Championship run.
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Cover Photo Credit: CS Saint-Laurent
