MLS club CF Montreal is put up for sale, future in the city is uncertain

MONTREAL (AP) — The Saputo family has begun the process to sell CF Montreal, the Major League Soccer club announced on Monday.

>The family has owned the team since 1992, when the then-Montreal Impact was part of the American Professional Soccer League. The club joined MLS in 2012.

>“After more than three decades of commitment, we believe this is the appropriate time to begin the process of identifying new ownership for CF Montreal,” Joey Saputo said in a statement. “This club has been a central part of our lives. We have dedicated significant time, energy and resources to building it, and we are proud of what CF Montreal has become. I would also like to thank the fans, whose passion and loyalty have been at the heart of this club.”

>Saputo said the family would prefer to sell to a buyer that will keep the team in Montreal, but would not rule out the possibility that new ownership could move the club.

>Montreal is coming off its worst season in MLS, going 6-20-8 and finishing last in the Eastern Conference.

>At a news conference on Monday, Saputo insisted the decision to sell was not based on the team's performance or financial concerns.

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