MLSPA approves terms for return

The MLS players’ union announced Sunday night that it has approved financial considerations for the season, a step to clear the way to a return to competition once the restrictions around the coronavirus pandemic ease.

According to the statement by the MLS Players Association, it has agreed with the league on “economic concessions,” including “salary reductions across the entire player pool, reduced team and individual bonuses, and additional concessions to existing and future terms of the CBA.”

The MLSPA also approved a one-year extension of its current collective bargaining agreement, which had been approved without much difficulty prior to the season, and consented to participating in a “summer tournament in Orlando,” which has been part of the league’s proposed plans.

MLS approved a return to individual player workouts as of May 6. Last week, it gave the go-ahead for clubs to return to smallgroup workouts. All steps on the return-to-play pathway require logistical plans submitted to and approved by MLS. They also require teams to adhere to the government and public-health mandates of their regions.

MLS has already cancelled non-league functions such as the All-Star Game and participation in continental competition with Liga MX. In order to make up for lost time, MLS has proposed created a “bubble league” in Florida, with teams training and playing while living in the Orlando area.

In order to make the substantial changes to the schedule that the COVID-19 stoppage has required, the MLS and MLSPA must be in accord. Unlike in Major

League Baseball, where the owners and players are at odds over salary reductions, the parties in MLS seems to be easing toward each other in the process.

“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 statement read. “The package has been formally submitted to the league for a decision by the owners.”

MEDIANEWS GROUP FILE PHOTO Union captain Alejandro Bedoya, seen at training in January, is the club’s representative to the MLS Players Association, which Sunday approved financial terms for a return to play from the COVID-19 pandemic.