FC Cincinnati's decision to temporarily revoke the credential of beat reporter Laurel Pfahler, after questioning the accuracy of her reporting on multiple player transfer stories including one involving Alvaro Barreal, has sparked widespread condemnation across the Major League Soccer (MLS) community. Critics have highlighted the club's delays in transparency and dialogue, and the unsubstantiated statement impugning Pfahler's integrity remains on the club's website, further inciting condemnation. The North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) issued an official statement, emphasizing the importance of legitimate media coverage in the sport.
Disappointed that an hour after this statement was made, @fccincinnati still has its unsubstantiated statement impugning Laurel's integrity up on its club website. Sunshine is the best disinfectant. Cincinnati's delays in transparency and dialogue are disheartening and harmful… https://t.co/MNcILUi2Py
MLS club FC Cincinnati suspends reporter’s credentials https://t.co/CcC4mINKWr https://t.co/38pBSBNYK8
The North American Soccer Reporters official statement on Laurel Pfahler and FC Cincinnati, as signed by the NASR Executive Board. https://t.co/tUe4dWZOan
I often hear how @MLS fans want legit media coverage (not cheerleading). Then a reporter does that work, and the club can't handle it. This story out of @fccincinnati is embarrassing and stunningly bush league. Imagine the NFL or NBA doing this ... https://t.co/B4dDPemOgm
Piece has been updated to include a statement from the North American Soccer Reporters. https://t.co/oGl5AIeVcy
Multiple sources tell ESPN that #FCCincy temporarily revoked the credential of beat reporter Laurel Pfahler after questioning the accuracy of her reporting relating to multiple player transfer stories, including one related to Alvaro Barreal. https://t.co/IeMBo8RyCf
Multiple sources tell ESPN that #FCCincy temporarily revoked the credential of beat reporter Laurel Pfahler after after questioning the accuracy of her reporting relating to multiple player transfer stories, including one related to Alvaro Barreal. https://t.co/IeMBo8RyCf
FC Cincinnati's decision to ban a local journalist is inciting even more widespread condemnation and becoming an embarrassment for MLS. 🔽 https://t.co/607pmqTXJI
⬇️ @fccincinnati knows better. Their fans sure do. Weak. https://t.co/YRYqOHdYDx https://t.co/zDUXN6EnV7