Victor Wanyama’s side CF Montreal to relocate to Florida from Canada

Victor Wanyama’s CF Montreal set to relocate to Florida [photo courtesy]

Victor Wanyama’s side CF Montreal on Monday announced that it will open its MLS season in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The move was made because of travel restrictions between the United States and Canada that started at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

 “I want to thank Inter Miami CF for welcoming us," CF Montréal sporting director Olivier Renard said in Monday's release. 

"Just like in New Jersey last year with the Red Bulls, we will have access to top infrastructures and favorable weather, which made us chose Florida.

“Once again, it will be a very special situation and we want our players to be in the best possible conditions before coming back to play in Montreal. We will do everything in our power to allow the players and the staff to be joined by their families so they can feel good while they are away from home.”

The team will be following strict health and security protocols, including COVID-19 screening testing on a regular basis.

The NBA's Toronto Raptors made a similar move south, announcing they would start the current season at Tampa. It was later announced they would finish the season with home games in the Florida city.

When the 2020 MLS season resumed, the Montreal franchise — then known as the Montreal Impact — played its home games at Harrison, N.J., at the home of the New York Red Bulls. This year, they will be sharing a venue with Inter Miami CF.

Montreal FC on Monday promoted Wilfried Nancy to head coach after the 43-year-old served as an assistant since 2016. (Getty Images)

CF Montréal are aiming to play two exhibition matches after arriving in Florida, with the MLS season scheduled to start on April 17.

The club also announced Monday that former assistant coach Wilfried Nancy has been promoted to the top job. He takes over from Thierry Henry, who resigned last month citing family reasons.