Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Players skip training again, but lockout looks less likely
After Major League Soccer reportedly threatened the MLS Players Association with a lockout over the weekend if it didn’t agree to MLS’ terms, there’s growing optimism that the league and players union will soon reach an agreement on a return-toplay plan.
ESPN and The Athletic reported that the league has modified its proposal and extended its deadline on a decision from the players to noon on Wednesday. Originally, the league reportedly told the players Sunday that it was giving them until noon on Tuesday to accept its final amendments to the previously agreed-upon — but not ratified — collective bargaining agreement. And if players didn’t accept the terms, the owners would lock them out.
According to ESPN, MLS owners backtracked on having a force majeure clause tied to attendance in its proposal, which was among the most significant differences
between the MLS and players union proposals. A force majeure clause basically says in the case of uncontrollable events — such as acts of God or terrorism — the parties in the contract do not have to meet all their obligations.
Media rights revenue sharing and paycut percentages were among other factors the two sides were reportedly still negotiating.
Inter Miami CF players — along with several players from around MLS — skipped voluntary training sessions for the second consecutive day Tuesday amid the ongoing negotiations. The players association
reportedly scheduled a call Tuesday afternoon about the updated negotiations.
The MLS Players Association released a statement Sunday evening saying that it had approved a counteroffer to MLS that included economic concessions for the 2020 season, salary reductions and modifications to the recently agreed-upon CBA and an agreement to participate in a summer tournament in Orlando.
The MLS season has been suspended since March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Inter Miami has held voluntary individual workouts at the club’s new Fort Lauderdale facility since May 6 and most teams have conducted individual workouts at their facilities the past few weeks.
Last week, the league announced it would allow clubs to use outdoor team
practice fields for voluntary, small-group training practices as long as teams complied with local government safety policies. Inter Miami was expected to begin those sessions this week.
MLS’ proposed plan reportedly included having all 26 teams compete in a tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. ESPN reported last week that the league’s latest proposal would have teams arrive in Orlando in late June and stay for up to six weeks.
As a part of the proposed tournament, teams would train for a couple of weeks in Orlando before playing in a group stage featuring three matches, which would then be followed by a knockout stage. The groupstage games would count toward the regular-season standings.