https://www.ottawafuryfc.com/ I'm still processing the loss of the supporter community. All I can think is "now what?" I thought I'd open this thread to engage a discussion about why the Fury failed, it's implications for lower division soccer, and what lessons can be learned.
I think interference by CONCACAF, and to some extent the CSA, played a huge role. The Fury existed well before the CPL and should have been allowed a permanent grandfathering into the USL the way that the three MLS teams have been grandfathered in. They spent money and league fees while the CSA was spinning its wheels and they should have the right to continue to compete in the USL because of it. It's not even unprecedented, as a similar situation exists in Wales...
Depending on your perspective.. The collapse of the Fury either falls on the CSA and Concacaf, or on OSEG for refusing to join the CPL. It seems like OSEG was willing to continue to absorb the losses associated with lower division soccer, they just weren't willing to join CPL and were unable to get sanctioning to continue on playing in the USL.
I think OSEG wanted out of soccer and this was a convenient excuse. They didn't even follow up with their application to Concacaf this year for another exemption. They have their eyes on starting a rugby team.