Keven Aleman, who helped Canada earn a berth in next month's FIFA under-17 World Cup, is among three academy players who have been released by Toronto FC.
Club officials announced that Aleman -- a member of the junior academy squad -- and senior academy players Dino Gardiner and Jonathan Lao have been cut after the trio pursued tryouts in Europe against the club's wishes.
"We ask that our Academy players sign a letter of commitment, which is an agreement between our club and player that they will receive the best training and development opportunities, with the goal of reaching the first team," Aron Winter, Toronto FC's head coach and technical director, said in a statement.
The 16-year-old Aleman has seven goals in 12 appearances for Canada, and led the under-17 team to a silver medal at the CONCACAF championships in February, propelling the Canadians to their first U-17 World Cup appearance in 16 years.
Aleman was then invited to join Toronto FC's top team for its training camp in March.
The U-17 World Cup runs June 18-July 10 in Mexico.
