Harrison, NJ – Red Bull New York forward Luke Rodgers had his visa application denied, and the Major League Soccer club announced Friday it has terminated his contract.
New York said in statement: "After going through the entire immigration and appeals process, Luke's P-1 Visa application has unfortunately been denied by the U.S. government for now."
Rodgers played 23 matches last season, including 20 starts, and had nine goals and three assists. He had a visa approved for last season, but his renewal was denied.
New York also said in a statement: "We have spoken with Luke about potential options and have mutually decided that it would be in all parties' best interests to terminate his current MLS contract so he could play elsewhere.
"However, we will also continue to track his progress this year while working with immigration officials with the goal that he could join the Red Bulls sometime in the future."
New York hosts the expansion Montreal Impact on Saturday at 4 p.m. (ET).
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