The U.S. Soccer Federation has filed a complaint with FIFA, charging Olympique Lyonnais owner Jean-Michel Aulas with tampering with an under contract player, a source confirmed to ESPN FC.
Sports Illustrated was the first to report the news.
At issue is a tweet that Aulas directed at U.S. international midfielder Allie Long, who plays for the Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League. Aulas invited Long to join up with U.S. teammate Alex Morgan at OL next season.
@alexmorgan13 @ALLIE_LONG hello Allie everyone hope you come in OL with Alex next year to win the next title in French and EUROP ����
- Jean-Michel AULAS (@JM_Aulas) May 7, 2017
The tweet drew a sharp rebuke from Portland owner Merritt Paulson, who reminded Aulas that Long is still under contract.
.@JM_Aulas rather than courting players under contract, act with class and bring your women's team to see how they'd do vs the Thorns
- Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) May 7, 2017
The source alleged that in addition to his tweets, Aulas has also made private, direct overtures to Long about joining Lyon.