New York Red Bulls general manager Erik Soler has made it clear that Erik Stover was not forced out of his position as managing director.
Stover stepped down on Friday, paving the way for long-time NBA executive Chris Heck to move into his role, but Soler has insisted that it was not a club decision.
"Absolutely not. Erik wanted to do something else after 3 ½ years, so we respect that and are lucky enough to get a guy we believe is really good,'' said Soler.
"It's what happens in sports all the time. You get used to people coming in and out all the time That's the way it is.
"The good thing is I run the business in New York. We work with (Red Bull) Austria and North America, but when it comes to things that are important to us, they're very good people, give us the chance to make our own decisions.
"Erik wanted to do something else and we respect that. It was our job to find the best guy possible to take over his responsibilities. I think we've done a good job of that.''