By Official Florida FC
The Concacaf Champions League will be decided in a city where dreams come true.
Tuesday, Concacaf, announced the final seven matches of its 2020 Champions League will be played in Orlando in December. The tournament, which was suspended when the COVID-19 pandemic halted North American sports in March, will begin in the quarterfinals.
The tournament will be a single-elimination tournament.
Four Major League Socccer teams, three Liga MX clubs and C.D. Olimpia from the Honduran Liga Nacional will comprise the eight teams.
2020 CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUEQuarterfinals: December 15 and 16Semifinals: December 19, 2020Final: December 22, 2020Winner Semifinal 1 vs Winner Semifinal 2 |
“The Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League is our flagship club competition and a huge amount of work has gone into ensuring we can safely resume the tournament and crown a regional club champion,” said Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President, Victor Montagliani in a statement.
The pandemic shut down sports in much of the world for more than three months. The European (UEFA), African (CAF) and Asian (AFC) champions league have all returned to play.
German side Bayern Munich won the European Cup in August. Egyptian sides Al-Ahly and Zamalek will play in the CAF Champions League final on Nov. 27 in Cairo. The AFC Champions League final is scheduled for Dec. 19 in Doha.
Closer to home, the seven Concacaf Champions League matches will be played behind closed doors.
“We’re honored that Concacaf has selected the City of Orlando and our amazing venue, Exploria Stadium, to host one of the most marquee events in world club soccer,” Orlando City CEO Alex Leitão in a statement. “This year, the City Beautiful has proven to be the center of sport — hosting some of the world’s biggest events — and we are humbled to be able to host another such event at our home. We’re looking forward to seven very exciting games.”