MLS commissioner: 'Absolutely nothing' to reports of Chivas USA buyout or move

Coach Jose Luis Sanchez Sola and Chivas USA have seen attendance drop dramatically during a losing season. (Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber denied reports that Chivas USA was for sale or in line for relocation, according to Grant Wahl of SI.com.

The Mexican newspaper Record reports MLS is planning a buyout of Chivas USA owner Jorge Vergara, possibly against his wishes, according to the Los Angeles Times. Chivas USA is drawing the league's worst attendance (8,035) while producing the Western Conference's worst record. The lack of Los Angeles-area television broadcasts has also hurt the franchise financially.

The Times points to the lack of a local TV deal as an issue of compliance that could allow the league to force Vergara out, and possibly set up the franchise's relocation:

Media reports last month identified Mexican businessman Carlos Slim as a potential buyer of Chivas USA and Chivas of Guadalajara, the Mexican league team Vergara also owns. Record reported three weeks ago that such a deal, which would include the Mexican team's new state-of-the-art stadium, would be worth $700 million.

Another possible scenario would see MLS brokering a deal for Chivas USA in order to move the franchise.

San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Florida have been speculated as possible destinations for the struggling team.