Major League Soccer announced today that it has suspended all games for 30 days, effective immediately. The MLS announcement on COVID-19 comes as the league tries to determine the impact of the coronavirus on players and fans.
MLS Announcement on COVID-19
Major League Soccer has suspended match play for 30 days, effective immediately, as the league continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 with its medical task force and public health officials.
At the appropriate time, the league and clubs will communicate plans for the continuation of the 2020 season and update the status of league events.
“Our clubs were united today in the decision to temporarily suspend our season – based on the advice and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and other public health authorities, and in the best interest of our fans, players, officials and employees,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “We’d like to thank our fans for their continued support during this challenging time.”
The MLS announcement on COVID-19 comes the morning after the NBA officially suspended its season. The NBA was in the final stretch of their regular season when Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for the coronavirus shortly after jokingly touching the microphones during a press conference with the media.
Prior to the MLS announcement, two matches had already been postponed in response to measures being taken to contain COVID-19. Seattle and San Jose, two of the areas currently being hit the hardest by the spread of the virus, postponed their matches set for March 21 in compliance with local measures.
LAFC Statement regarding MLS Announcement on COVID-19
Today, Major League Soccer announced the league has suspended match play for 30 days effective immediately. Additionally, Concacaf has suspended the 2020 Concacaf Champions League immediately, and the LAFC match vs Cruz Azul at Banc of California Stadium will be rescheduled for a future date to be determined.
The health and safety of our fans and supporters, employees and players are the top priority of our Club.
These decisions were made by MLS and Concacaf together with public health and medical professionals to discourage and limit large gatherings due to COVID-19.
Additionally, the eMLS Cup was scheduled to take place in Austin on March 21 in conjunction with the South by Southwest festival. Due to the rapid nature of the virus spreading through large assembled groups of people, the festival, and thus the eMLS Cup, have been cancelled.
LAFC has set up a page dedicated to COVID-19 to address concerns and answer questions fans may have.
A MESSAGE FROM LAFC PRESIDENT & OWNER, TOM PENN:
To the members and supporters of Los Angeles Football Club, we send out heartfelt wishes and good thoughts to you, your family, your friends, and all of the Los Angeles community.
We love LAFC because it represents our love for Los Angeles and we have a responsibility and an opportunity to work together, stick together, help one another, and get through these unprecedented times.
Let’s be safe, clean, and careful. Let’s stay connected and supportive of one another. We will get through this together and come out on the other side in support of our Club and our city.
