Ballou Tabla apologizes for skipping Impact practice to press transfer demand

MONTREAL — Midfielder Ballou Tabla has apologized to the Montreal Impact for skipping a training session.

The 18-year-old apologized on social media on Wednesday to his teammates, the coaches, the club and the fans.

Tabla has been seeking a transfer to a European team. When he did not show up for practice on Tuesday it was perceived as attempt to pressure the team to arrange a move.

Impact technical director Adam Braz said this week that the Impact aren’t looking to prevent him from moving but have so far received only one offer from a second division club, which they deemed unsatisfactory.

Braz said they hope to get a reasonable return on the gifted teenager.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

Tabla admits he wants to play at a higher level but will respect his obligations to the Impact.

“Yes, I have ambition and I’d like to go to the top level in my career, but I’m aware that I have a deal with my current team that I must respect,” he wrote on Twitter. “I never wanted to be a distraction and I still every day want to help my team attain its objectives.”

Tabla has two goals in 16 MLS games as an MLS rookie.

The Canadian Press