COLUMBUS CREW could be uprooted 1,250 miles away if they cannot find a new local stadium.
The Ohio-based club could be set for Austin, Texas if they fail to secure a new stadium in Columbus over the next year.
The Black & Gold were one of the founding members of the MLS in 1993 and were the first club in the US to own a purpose-build football stadium six years later.
But owner Anthony Precourt is considering a move away with the stadium’s facilities falling way behind rival clubs.
Financial struggles are also thought to be behind the plan, with a move now under consideration for 2019.
Alex Fischer, head of a bunch of local business chiefs, said Precourt had rejected offers for the club from Columbus-based backers.
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Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Fischer said: “We’ve received notice from the ownership that at a press conference [Tuesday] they are going to announce they are jointly pursuing that plan in Austin as well as continuing conversations about a possible new stadium in Columbus.
“I think there’s no question he expects public financing and or support for any stadium in either city.
“We met with ownership a month ago to discuss their stadium study and plans and ideas for a new stadium in Columbus.
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“Those conversations turned up the fact that ownership had been in extensive conversations over the last number of months with leaders in Austin about a possible new stadium and moving the team there.”
Columbus are poised for the play-offs, with Federico Higuain – brother of Juventus ace Gonzalo – chipping in with nine goals and 12 assists.
Norwegian striker Ola Kamara has 17 strikes for the campaign.
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