Inter Miami CF, the new franchise of the United States Professional Soccer League (MLS), modified its emblem on its digital platforms to support the recommendations for social distancing due to COVID-19, with the image of two herons whose legs were previously intertwined and now appear separated. The white herons in relief of the Inter Miami shield, representing “freedom and strength”, are now working to shorten the global pandemic caused by the new coronavirus. “The emblem has been altered so that the iconic white herons, which are normally intertwined to represent the unity of our community, are separated from each other,” said a statement from the club sent Monday to Efe.
“COVID-19 has paralyzed the entire world and as a result, it is important that we follow the advice and direction of the authorities and participate in the practice of social distancing.“said club vice president of Community Relations Chris Allan.” Inter Miami CF wants to leverage the Club's reach, the players and their owners to amplify and share this message with everyone who follows us in South Florida and around. of the world, “added the statement. The original shield represents some important symbols of Miami, such as the eclipse, which embodies “the work of the people day and night”, and two herons with intertwined legs, emblem of “freedom, power and patience”, and of an “unbreakable unit”.
This was announced by the club owned by former soccer player David Beckham when making his presentation in November 2018. Inter Miami CF debuted on March 1 as a visitor against Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) in California, and he is waiting to play his first game “at home”. This game was due to take place on March 14 against the Los Angeles Galaxy, but the season was suspended due to COVID-19. Last Thursday the MLS announced that it was extending the current suspension of games, with a resumption date scheduled for May 10, a decision that Inter Miami FC said it supports.
The club's first local game will take place at its new 18,000-seat stadium, Inter Miami CF Stadium., located in Fort Lauderdale (about 50 kilometers north of Miami), “at the moment that the authorities indicate that the situation has normalized and the league can resume,” reads the statement on Monday. In addition to altering its emblem to promote social distancing, Inter Miami launched its new mobile application for members, with unique content from its players and coaching staff, which can be downloaded from the team's website.
This app provides fans with a behind-the-scenes look so they can see how the team continues to prepare and how they spend their time waiting for the season to return. Inter Miami CF was officially founded on January 28, 2018 for South Florida fans, with the intention that “the cultural mosaic” of Miami would feel identified.