MLS rules explained: How did TFC get 'extra' international slot to sign Coello?
Toronto FC took advantage of a unique league rule to add the Spanish midfielder from TFC 2 to its roster last week.
In a continuing series at TFC Republic, we'll look at some of Major League Soccer's more arcane roster rules and break them down by using real-life examples so that they are easily understandable.
In this week's edition: we explain how Toronto FC was able to sign TFC 2's Spanish midfielder Alonso Coello Camarero even though the club appeared to have already used up all of its international roster slots for this season.
Toronto FC announced last week that it had signed Alonso Coello Camarero through 2023, with options for 2024 and 2025. The Spaniard will occupy an international spot on the Reds' roster.
The central midfielder made his MLS debut while on loan for TFC in an 0-0 draw away to the San Jose Earthquakes on March 16, and then he came off the bench in the second half the following weekend in a 2-2 draw vs. Charlotte FC. MLS roster rules stipulate that teams can sign players from their MLS NEXT Pro affiliates to four short-term loans (four-day contracts) during the course of the regular season, but those players are only allowed to play in two league games per year.
