The concept of "calling dibs" can be decisive, whether in everyday life or in the world of soccer. In Muller's case, this principle applied quite literally to his move to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

The delay stemmed from MLS's "discovery list" rule. This mechanism allows MLS teams to register their interest in acquiring certain players, even those not currently playing in the league, giving them priority in negotiations.

Thomas Muller's debut with the Vancouver Whitecaps on 6/8. Photo: *Vancouver Whitecaps*

FC Cincinnati added Muller to their discovery list shortly after their establishment in 2019. This granted them exclusive negotiating rights should the German player ever decide to play in the US. Consequently, if another team, like Vancouver, wanted to sign Muller, they would have to compensate Cincinnati.

Due to this rule, Vancouver could not directly negotiate with Muller unless they paid Cincinnati for the discovery rights. Ultimately, the Whitecaps agreed to a $400,000 payment to Cincinnati, finalizing the transfer.

MLS regulations permit each club to include a maximum of 5 names on their discovery list. This mechanism is designed to prevent internal competition between teams within the league, thereby controlling escalating transfer fees caused by bidding wars.

"Instead of teams scrambling over a player, the discovery list creates an orderly queue, limiting price escalation and ensuring balance," explained Christina LaBrie, MLS Senior Vice President of Player Relations.

MLS argues this rule allows smaller clubs with limited budgets to access international players, preventing them from being overshadowed by larger clubs in the transfer market. San Diego FC Director Tyler Heaps supports the rule for this reason. "We don’t have unlimited resources. Keeping this rule gives clubs like ours a chance at big players," he stated.

However, many insiders are dissatisfied and point out its limitations. An anonymous MLS club director suggested the rule damages the league's image among international players and agents, creating a perception of unprofessionalism. "I believe in competition, but that mechanism doesn't allow for true competition in MLS. Rules like the discovery list and similar ones are awkward and embarrassing to explain to international agents from a legitimacy standpoint," the director said.

The rule also infringes upon the right to free negotiation, frustrating players and agents. One international player questioned MLS officials: "You mean I can't talk to this club because another team, who has never contacted me, put my name on a list? That’s absurd." Even the term itself can be misleading, especially for established European stars. One director recounted, "I said, 'We just added you to our discovery list, we have the right to talk to you,' and he replied, 'But you didn’t 'discover' me.'"

Despite its intended value, many in the industry believe the discovery list should be reformed or even eliminated. Suggestions include limiting the duration a player's name can remain on the list (e.g., until the end of the transfer window), making the list public so player agents know which team holds the rights, or reducing the number of players allowed for teams with smaller salary budgets.

Even supporters of the mechanism concede they wouldn't object to its removal. "If the discovery list went away, I wouldn’t be sad. We’d probably lose some deals, but it would be a lot easier," Heaps admitted.

While Vancouver ultimately paid to acquire Muller, the controversy surrounding the "calling dibs" mechanism persists. This isn't the first time the discovery list has caused delays, and it certainly won't be the last. As MLS strives to elevate its status, the Muller case could be the catalyst for the league to review one of its most contentious rules.

Hong Duy (*ESPN*)