Updating the second leg CCL Match - Atlanta United hosting L.D. Alajuelense Tuesday night: I am not one to point fingers but one must wonder about the dilemma L.D. Alajuelense finds itself regarding Tuesday night's match against Atlanta United. Down 0-1, the Costa Rican powerhouse now finds itself with a depleted player pool, including midfielder Brian Ruiz, due to U.S Covid-19 restrictions. The restriction relates to a new U.S. policy stating that anyone traveling to Europe must quarantine in their country for 15 days before coming to the States. As many as five L.D. Alajuelense players elected to travel to Europe to participate in friendlies in the recent FIFA break against Mexico and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Obviously the Club's management is accountable, knowing the dates of the two-leg CCL way in advance should have alerted them to avoid releasing these players for friendlies in Europe. My real question: did CONCACAF, with oversight of all competitions, not provide guidance and information to all clubs participating in the CCL.?
I understand L.D. Alajuelense team representatives are in Atlanta today trying to work out a solution to allow these players to enter the United States. In this day and age, I am amazed that both their team reps and CONCACAF did not ensure that they would be at full strength for CCL matches. In the spirit of fair and equitable competition, this situation is unfortunate. #CONCACAF #CCL