It appears CONMEBOL is interested in bringing Major League Soccer teams into its annual club tournament, according to a recent interview with confederation president Nicolas Leoz.
CONMEBOL President: ‘We Want’ American Teams In Copa Libertadores
Admittedly, the interview is in Portuguese and the translation is dependent on Google’s software, but it seems pretty clear that Leoz is interested in expanding the tournament to include MLS.
“I wanted to make an America’s Cup between all these countries. Make a Libertadores with American teams. The level is rising in American football. The door is open.”
Leoz also said the negotiations are “walking slowly,” so it doesn’t seem like anything is imminent.
In any case, the current MLS schedule would make playing in Copa Libertadores next to impossible. That tournament starts in February and runs through the summer. Even discounting the extra travel involved, there simply isn’t room on the schedule for MLS teams to compete in the tournament while still maintaining their commitments to CONCACAF Champions League.
That said, it is one of the most watched tournaments in the world — being broadcast in 135 countries — and performing well would undoubtedly provide a worldwide perception boost for MLS.
See More:
