USL, players OK terms for return-to-play protocol

The United Soccer League Championship and its players association have agreed to terms on protocols associated with its provisional return to play in July.

Mainly revolving around financial items and protective guidelines in advance of the league's projected July 11 return announced earlier this month, the deal was reached Wednesday after months of negotiation dating back to the league's suspension March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Terms are currently provisional and are subject to ratification by both the USL and USLPA.

Phoenix Rising FC competes in USL Championship and will play once matches resume, which are currently slated to be held in both home and opposing stadiums without fans in attendance. Other than a restart date (July 18) and announcement to also play in home markets, no return to play guidelines have been finalized for USL League One, where FC Tucson plays.

The USLPA confirmed that there is a tentative agreement which is subject to ratification by both parties. The agreement was first reported by ESPN, with further details reported by The Athletic . The USL did not provide comment.

According to reports, the most notable term of the pact is that player salaries will not change if a season resumes, a stark change from original pay cuts the league reportedly requested from its players in May. In the event of a club being unable to continue playing in 2020, player salaries would also still be paid in full. This player-friendly commitment was partly influenced by the league managing to pull together $5.5 million in relief funds for its Championship and League One clubs, which eased some financial burdens.

COVID-19 testing will also be paid for by clubs unless the fees are covered by a players' own insurance, with those at "high risk" of contracting the virus not required to play in 2020. Clubs will be required to wear face masks on team buses, per reports, while also requesting hotels in cities visited to provide extra toiletries in addition to having all food prepared by persons in full personal protective equipment.

Beginning Thursday, players have 24 hours to cast online ballots to approve these mandates along with other terms. It will take 66% of players voting yes and 70% of players willing to play the 2020 season to ratify the agreement. Over half of the USL board of governors must also approve the deal, per reports.

If the guidelines are ratified, one of the final major hurdles will be cleared in order for the Championship to resume matches. Phoenix Rising FC played one match this season before the league's stoppage, a 6-1 home win over Portland Timbers 2 on March 7.

The USL and USLPA are also expected to resume negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement once return to play details are ratified. If terms were to be reached, it would be the first time since the USL's founding in 1986 (as the Southwest Indoor Soccer League) that the two sides agreed to a CBA.