Report: MLS altering Orlando return-to-play plans

Major League Soccer is altering its plans for the proposed return-to-play tournament in Orlando this summer. ESPN's Jeff Carlisle reports that a revised schedule, which works within a tighter time frame, has been created. This new schedule would allow for all clubs to remain in their home markets until June 21. Teams then would travel to Orlando and stay there for about a month for the tournament.

MLS's previous plans had clubs reporting to Orlando in early June with players and staff required to stay away from their home markets for up to 10 weeks. That resulted in "considerable pushback" from the Major League Soccer Players Association, according to Carlisle, and thus resulted in the plans being altered.

The league has yet to answer players' questions regarding health and safety concerns, spending time away from families, and the physical and mental toll of quarantine. On top of that, negotiations are still continuing regarding pay cuts.

While professional soccer in the United States has yet to resume, Germany's Bundesliga has had a successful return to the field over the last few weeks, and the English Premier League is gearing up for a restart sometime in the near future.

The National Women's Soccer League also announced a one-month season from June 27-July 26 in Utah with teams competing in 25 games and the playoffs.

Walt Disney World, a potential host site for the MLS, announced its reopening plans Wednesday with resorts opening on July 11 and theme parks opening by July 15. MLS isn't necessarily confined to a July start date in Disney World, and it seems we'll hear more about the Orlando plan in the near future.