MLS eyes Orlando as the solution to bring soccer back!

Amid the recent outbreak of COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus, the entire world has come to a screeching halt and professional sports were certainly no exception. But as time has passed, league commissioners, executives, coaches, and players have begun to discuss how to bring sports back. Major League Soccer, for example, have played around with the idea of possibly playing games at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex located in Orlando, Florida. Concerns continue to mount, though, as the details of such a move are discussed in full.

The uncertainty of the availability of tests for players, coaches, and other team personnel like bus drivers and security guards are a source of worry as the health of every person within that vicinity would need to be tested often in an effort to keep everyone safe. Despite a large number of available tests, treating anyone who does happen to become diagnosed with the virus and how such treatment would be conducted in a way to not put people at risk is also unknown. Additionally, sending players like Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, Alan Pulido, Jonathan dos Santos to another state to play without their families for months at a time could be seen as a necessary safety precaution, but could also be considered tough from the player’s perspective.

However, since the world has changed due to coronavirus, leagues and teams around the world are adapting to the new circumstances. Major League Soccer has always been characterized by doing things the opposite way to the rest of the leagues in the world. In fact, MLS is the only league in the world at the moment with a plan to resume playing on a particular city like Orlando. MLS’ idea is to create a tournament that matters meaning that most likely the winner of this short summer tournament will qualify to next year’s CONCACAF Champions League. In addition, sponsors and broadcasters will be also back in the game giving them an opportunity to cover the event. If safety measures are fully granted, then the tournament has everything to be a huge success. 

Will this be the return of MLS? Will the players deny traveling to Orlando? We will find out in the next few days.