Austin FC Waives Midfielder Emiliano Rigoni Amid Financial Struggles

On May 15, 2024, in Austin, Texas, USA, midfielder Emiliano Rigoni was seen controlling the ball during the first half of a game against Houston Dynamo FC at Q2 Stadium. Rigoni, an Argentinian player who joined Austin FC from Brazilian Série A club São Paulo in July 2022, had a lackluster performance with the team, scoring only six goals and six assists in 58 appearances.

According to a report by Tom Bogert and Paul Tenorio of The Athletic, Rigoni has been waived by Austin FC. As one of the club’s designated players with a salary exceeding $2 million, this decision is likely due to financial factors. It was reported that Rigoni had a clause in his contract that would automatically trigger for 2025 if he made 12 appearances this season.

Despite starting and playing the entire match in the recent 1-0 victory over Houston and being part of the team’s successes this season so far, Rigoni did not feature in their subsequent home win against Kansas City. Following his waiver on May 15th