MLS teams in Copa Libertadores: Feasible project or senseless idea?

Ecuadorian executive Esteban Paz suggested extending an invitation to MLS and CONCACAF clubs to the prestigious South American tournament.

The idea of having Major League Soccer teams participate in Copa Libertadores made the rounds in the United States somewhat fiercely in 2013. The buzz originated from an article from Brazilian sports daily Lance that quoted then-CONMEBOL president Nicolás Leóz as a big proponent of the adjustment.

Still, both CONMEBOL and MLS officials shot down the notion very quickly at the time. In MLS’ case, Commissioner Don Garber cited the need to focus on the CONCACAF Champions League instead of looking to gain entry into Libertadores.

So, case closed, right?

Not really.

On Tuesday, the rumors came back to life after Ecuador’s Liga de Quito executive Esteban Paz revealed having a conversation with new CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez about the subject. According to Ecuador’s El Universo, Paz said that Domínguez received the idea “openly and he’s very happy to work in that format.”

The prospect of having superstars like David Villa, Kaká and Andrea Pirlo perform against some of the best teams in the Americas in such a competitive environment seems like a no-brainer for both CONMEBOL and Major League Soccer in terms of exposure and revenue.

“Would you like to see a player like Pirlo? Would people in Ecuador like to see a game against the Galaxy and have them bring Steven Gerrard?” Paz asked during his press conference. “That would certainly elevate the profile and structure of South American soccer.”

Paz, who has been tasked with the project of raising the profile of the already-prestigious South American tournament, has a point. After all, MLS’ CONCACAF rivals in Liga MX have been attending the tournament since 1998. Based on his analysis, the executive indicated that if MLS and other CONCACAF clubs join the tournament, each team would be able receive at least $5 million just to participate in the group stage.

“Would people in Ecuador like to see a game against the Galaxy and have them bring Steven Gerrard?”- Esteban Paz

“That money would allow us to repatriate our talent,” explained Paz, who wants to raise the level of competition in Libertadores by attracting talented South Americans who left the continent to play in European markets.

For MLS, the idea has to be – to the very least – interesting. The prospect of high TV revenues, plus the appeal of playing in competition against the likes of Boca Juniors or Independiente make for a strong case, especially considering Garber’s lofty expectations for MLS, which include being among the top leagues in the world by 2022.

Still, while seeing a mouth-watering match between Pirlo’s New York City and Argentinean powerhouse River Plate would seem tempting for all sides (and quite a treat for supporters worldwide), the many intricacies for making it happen might be too difficult for MLS to overcome at this point.

For starters, MLS’ current schedule is a big obstacle for international competition. While their Mexican counterparts follow a calendar similar to the South American leagues’ with Apertura and Clausura tournaments, MLS has one that hinders their international participation by starting their regular season in March and playing through the summer. Part of reason MLS clubs haven’t fared well in CONCACAF Champions League competition is because they play the Quarterfinal rounds during preseason, while Mexican teams have been ready for a while.

Secondly, MLS’ regional obligation is to CONCACAF, where they dispute a Champions League that has been clearly dominated by Mexican clubs. Whether it’s because of talent or because of MLS’ current schedule, MLS teams haven’t been able to keep up. Placing them in an environment where they have to face the strongest teams from Brazil and Argentina would open the door to international embarrassment. There are more chances to be successful against El Salvador’s Isidro Metapán than against Colombia’s Atlético Nacional.

Lastly, even if the scheduling issues were resolved, there’s the travel. There are over 5,200 miles between New York and Buenos Aires. MLS teams are already subjected to long distances just by playing in the United States and Canada, and aging stars like Gerrard or Pirlo have had to adjust to the travel after spending their careers in Europe. Adding more miles to tired legs should be a big concerned for coaches, who also have to worry about the MLS regular season and the U.S. Open Cup.

More playing for 90: Disgruntled Mexican players eyeing MLS

The idea of having MLS stars playing in South America is not a bad one, it’s just an unrealistic one at this point.