Major League Soccer Statement on COVID-19
March 11, 2020 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
Following Santa Clara County's legal order banning all gatherings of 1,000 people or more and the state of Washington's decision to restrict gatherings of more than 250 people in King County, Major League Soccer matches in San Jose and Seattle on March 21 are postponed. The league and its clubs are evaluating the options for rescheduling the matches at a later date.
MLS clubs and stadium operators have implemented procedures to ensure the safety of fans and communities by increasing cleaning staff, disinfecting high-traffic areas, sanitizing the facilities before and after each match, and making hand sanitizer available throughout venues. MLS stadiums are also allowing guests to bring in their own bottles of hand sanitizer and encouraging fans who feel sick or are in vulnerable populations to enjoy the match at home. Clubs also will communicate with fans in advance of matches and post in-stadium signage to further educate about everyday preventative actions advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
In addition to the procedures at MLS stadiums, the league and clubs are also taking measures to ensure we have a safe environment for all who participate in our matches, including players, coaches, staff, referees, journalists and business partners. This includes restricting locker room access to players and essential club staff, suspending the opening procession in which MLS players and youth soccer players enter the field side-by-side , postponing player appearances and autograph sessions, and limiting fan experiences during team warm-ups. Also, the league has mandated that players, coaches and essential staff must travel to matchday via charter flights for the foreseeable future.
Providing a safe and healthy environment for our fans, players and everyone at MLS matches is our top priority. During this rapidly changing issue, MLS remains in direct contact with the relevant governmental agencies including the CDC and PHAC, and is also coordinating with other sporting organizations regarding COVID-19. In addition, every MLS club is in continuous dialogue with local and regional health authorities.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide any updates at the appropriate time.
• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...
Major League Soccer Stories from March 11, 2020
- Andres Reyes and Dylan Nealis: Debutants Takes on Their First MLS Match - Inter Miami CF
- Match Preview: Historic Home Debut against LA Galaxy - Inter Miami CF
- Earthquakes Match on March 21 to be Postponed - San Jose Earthquakes
- 3,000 Fans Enjoy Open Practice Before Home Debut against LA Galaxy - Inter Miami CF
- Major League Soccer Statement on COVID-19 - MLS
- Minnesota United Statement on Covid-19 Ahead of Home Opener on March 15 - Minnesota United FC
- Sporting KC Away Match on March 21 Postponed - Sporting Kansas City
- By the Numbers: Nani's Return - Orlando City SC
- FC Dallas Statement on the Postponement of Seattle Sounders Match on March 21 in Seattle - FC Dallas
- OSC Weekly Ratings Wrapup - OSC Original by David Carlson
- OSC Weekly Ratings Wrapup - OSC Original by David Carlson
- Sounders FC Statement on Governor Inslee Announcement - Seattle Sounders FC
- Chicago Fire FC Sign Forward Alex Monis to Homegrown Player Contract - Chicago Fire FC
- Colorado Rapids at Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Keys to the Match: March 11, 2020 - Colorado Rapids
- Nashville SC Working Towards Hitting Its Stride After 1-0 Defeat at Portland Timbers - Nashville SC
- Longtime Sporting Midfielder Benny Feilhaber Retires - Sporting Kansas City
- CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinals First Leg Game Report - Club de Foot Montreal
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.