Former Major League Soccer head coach Adrian Heath has claimed he was kidnapped and threatened at knifepoint while travelling abroad for what he believed was a legitimate coaching opportunity, according to a report by The Athletic. The incident, described by Heath himself, allegedly took place during a recent trip linked to post-MLS career discussions.
The trip turns into a traumatic experience
Heath, who has been out of management since leaving Minnesota United at the end of the 2023 season, said the trip was arranged under the impression of a serious professional meeting. Instead, he claims the situation escalated rapidly after his arrival, culminating in him being forcibly taken and held under threat. Heath later managed to get away and return safely, though the exact circumstances surrounding his escape have not been publicly detailed.
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At this stage, no official police statement or legal confirmation has been released, and the account remains based on Heath’s own testimony as reported by The Athletic. Authorities in the country where the incident allegedly occurred have not commented publicly.
A veteran figure in North American soccer
Heath is a well-known figure in Major League Soccer, having managed Orlando City SC and Minnesota United FC over a prolonged period. He is regarded as one of the more experienced English coaches to establish a long-term presence in the North American game, guiding Minnesota United to multiple playoff appearances.
Following his departure from MLS, Heath had been assessing opportunities overseas, a process that ultimately led to the trip in question.
The football world absorbed elsewhere
The revelation surfaced during a week dominated by on-field headlines, including Manchester City’s shock European defeat to Norwegian side Bodo, which briefly shifted global football attention away from off-field matters involving coaches and executives.
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For now, Heath’s account stands as a stark reminder of the potential risks involved in informal overseas negotiations, as the football community awaits further clarification or official findings.
