There is still work to be done if TFC is to convince the OSA to allow the club to play in the PDL next year.
On Thursday night TFC took its case directly to the OSA Board of Directors. Previously the board had voted to deny TFC's request, but it granted the club an opportunity to make a final presentation to the board.
CSN has learned that the OSA's position somewhat softened following that meeting, with several board members open to allowing TFC to participate in 2015. However, there remained significant resistance and no decision was made.
On Friday a meeting took place involving some of the more staunchly opposed board members. Attempts were made there to reach a compromise solution which would grant TFC a single year of sanctioning with a strict requirement that they return to the Ontario system in 2016.
The CSA is supportive of that plan. CSN was told that if the decision is made to permit TFC to participate in PDL next year the CSA plans to issue a clear instruction to the club that it is a single season sanctioning only.
In fact, the CSA plans to use the opportunity to clarify its position to all three MLS sides. After 2015, it will no longer sanction PDL teams attached to MLS sides if there is a Canadian league of an equal level available to play in.
Currently, both Ontario and Quebec have such a league. There is a significant amount of effort being put behind starting a BC league soon.
A final decision is expected by the end of next week