The ball is rollin’
MLS players give the league a green light to start tournament-style format in Orlando
Major League Soccer players have spoken: Bring it on.
The players want to play and now the ball is in the league’s court.
On Sunday evening, a release issued by the MLS Players Association said: "MLS players voted to approve a package of economic concessions for the 2020 season, modifications to the recently agreed-upon CBA, including its extension by a year, and their agreement to participate in a summer tournament in Orlando.
“Included were salary reductions across the entire player pool, reduced team and individual bonuses, and additional concessions to existing and future terms of the CBA. While a difficult vote in incredibly challenging times, it was taken collectively to ensure that Players can return to competition as soon as they are safely able to do so. The package has been formally submitted to the league for a decision by the owners.”
It has been widely reported that MLS is considering a plan to bring all MLS players down to Walt Disney World near Orlando this month to begin training for a tournament-style format which would start in July and involve all 26 teams where each club would play at least five games.
According to reports, under the plan all members of each team, from players to support staff, would live under quarantine at one of the resorts near Walt Disney World, while both practices and games would primarily take place at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports. Disney-owned ESPN is one of MLS’ broadcast partners. The matches would resume on July 1 with no spectators.
MLS teams played two regular-season games before the league suspended play on March 12 because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Toronto FC opened the season on Feb. 29 with a 2-2 draw at San Jose against the Earthquakes and defeated New York City FC 1-0 on March 7.
MLS gave the green light last week for teams to start using outdoor team training fields for voluntary small group training sessions, with the usual safety measures still in place. The sessions must not conflict with local public health official or government policies and provide the ability for players to step up their training while maintaining physical distancing protocols.
TFC players have been taking part in voluntary individual workouts at the BMO Training Ground for the past couple of weeks. A club spokesman said all players in Toronto are taking part.
MLS issued a league-wide team training moratorium following the suspension of the 2020 season on March 12 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 6, players were allowed to begin voluntary individual workouts at outdoor team training facilities in accordance with local public health official or government policies.