Los Angeles Soccer Club’s signing of Turkish Player Upsets Armenian Fans
Los Angeles FC has a large community of Armenian fans so there is a lot of controversy surrounding their newest transfer.
According to information from LAFCdaniel, the possible signing of Turkish player Cengiz Ünder from Fenerbahçe by Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) has sparked opposition from the club’s Armenian supporters. The group, known as “LAFC The Armenians,” issued a statement urging the front office to reconsider the move.
LAFC has maintained a close relationship with Los Angeles’ Armenian community, even launching an “Armenian Heritage Night” in 2023. The event was met with overwhelming support and has since become an annual tradition, held on July 12 for two consecutive years.
Los Angeles is home to the largest Armenian diaspora outside of Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, making cultural identity an integral part of the city’s fabric. This deep-rooted presence is precisely why the potential signing of a Turkish player has sparked such a reaction, rekindling the memory of a century-old conflict.
Armenian roots in LAFC
As previously mentioned, LAFC has taken steps to honor Armenian heritage, but the connection runs even deeper within the club itself. John Thorrington, LAFC’s general manager and co-president, has publicly shared that both he and his mother have Armenian ancestry – a personal link that further intertwines the club with the community.
