Report: MLS plans shorter time frame for Orlando tournament

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Major League Soccer is adjusting its plans for the proposed tournament in Orlando.

A revised schedule for the competition which works within a tighter time frame has been created, multiple sources told ESPN's Jeff Carlisle. Rather than have its clubs arrive in Florida at the start of June, MLS is prepared to allow teams to remain in their home markets until June 21.

The squads would then travel to Orlando and stay there for little over a month.

Under MLS' previous plans, players and staff were required to stay away from their home markets for up to 10 weeks. This resulted in "considerable pushback" from the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) and prompted MLS to alter its proposal, according to Carlisle.

As of last Friday, MLS had reportedly yet to answer the MLSPA's list of around 100 questions concerning health and safety, spending time away from families, and the physical and mental toll of quarantining. Additionally, MLS and the MLSPA are still negotiating salary cuts.

Another stumbling block could be encountered with the coronavirus restrictions still in effect in the United States. D.C. United, the Chicago Fire, and the San Jose Earthquakes haven't begun individual workouts due to local lockdown guidelines. There's a possibility these teams could travel to Orlando earlier to give their players time to reach match fitness.

The tournament itself would adopt a similar format as previously reported: squads would compete in a group stage before the top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the knockout rounds. However, The Athletic's Paul Tenorino believes the group stage could be shortened from five to three games per team as part of MLS' efforts to shorten the tournament's window.