MLS extends training moratorium through May 15

Major League Soccer, which last week postponed all games through the first week of June, announced Thursday that it is extending its training moratorium through May 15.

The MLS season was suspended in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. All teams had played only their first two games of the year.

The league said Thursday in a statement, “Major League Soccer has extended the team training moratorium through, and including, Friday, May 15. MLS training facilities remain closed to all players and staff with the exception of players requiring medical treatment or rehabilitation, under the direction of the team medical staff, that cannot be performed from the safety of their residence.

“While MLS players are expected to remain in each club’s respective market, MLS will continue to review individual requests by players to relocate to another market by car, taking into account the totality of a player’s situation.”

MLS added that it would continue to be in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) for the latest advice regarding the pandemic.

Last week, the league confirmed that it would look at revised formats to utilize when play is able to resume, possibly featuring an in-season tournament and/or neutral-site games. Commissioner Don Garber said that MLS’ priority is to play as many games as possible.

–Field Level Media