Whitecaps report mass squad sickness after CONCACAF Champions Cup final | OneFootball

The Vancouver Whitecaps have reported that a "significant" number of individuals have become sick following their trip to Mexico for the Concacaf Champions Cup final.

The club published a statement on Thursday sharing the news, four days after losing 5-0 to Cruz Azul for the title.

A similar incident occurred last season when Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew got sick before a 3-0 loss to Pachuca in the final. According to a report from The Athletic at the time, the team's doctor determined food poisoning "the likely culprit."

Regarding Vancouver's reported sickness, players and staff members were affected, and training was subsequently cancelled.

"Following the team’s return from Mexico, a significant number of Whitecaps FC players and staff reported gastrointestinal symptoms. As a precautionary measure, and in consultation with the club’s medical team, as well as the local infectious disease consultant and Vancouver Coastal Health, the club cancelled training on Wednesday and held a modified individual closed session for cleared players today," read the club statement.

"The health and well-being of our players and staff remain our top priority. Each player has been provided with an individualized program by the medical and performance staff to support their continued preparation and recovery. We are actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available."

Sitting atop the MLS Western Conference, the Whitecaps will hope that players and staff can swiftly recover before their upcoming match. In addition to the mass sickness, the club has nine players away on international duty.

Vancouver hosts rivals Seattle Sounders on Sunday, June 8. They currently have a two-point lead over San Diego FC with two games in hand.

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