MLS have released an update on the suspension of the 2020 season and they’ve admitted it is “extremely unlikely” to return in mid-May and the season may have to be shortened.
After suspending play, Major League Soccer announced on March 19 that the plan was to shut down for eight weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic and the plan was to resume the 2020 MLS season on May 10.
Releasing an updated statement on the situation, MLS admitted for the first time that the 2020 season may have to be shortened.
“Major League Soccer continues to regularly evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including how it will affect our plans for the 2020 season. Although we hoped to return to play in mid-May, that is extremely unlikely based on the guidance of federal and local public health authorities. Our goal remains to play as many games as possible, and while we currently have enough dates to play the entire season, we recognize at this time that it may become difficult to do so. We continue to learn more every day from the medical experts, and we expect to have additional details in the coming weeks regarding when we can return to play. As we have throughout this process, we will update our fans with every decision, and we thank them for their support and understanding during this extremely challenging time.”
The 2020 MLS season had only just started when it came to a halt and this latest statement suggests they will not only have to get creative when it comes to their playoff schedule but also their regular-season schedule.
It was previously stated that the date for MLS Cup could be pushed back to December from November but given this latest update, perhaps the best situation is to cut out the playoffs altogether?
That way the regular-season champion who wins the Supporters’ Shield should also be handed MLS Cup. It is far from ideal, especially given all of the hype surrounding the wild MLS Cup playoffs in recent seasons, but it surely the most logical way to ensure the 2020 season is fair for everyone.
