MLS has suspended its season for 30 days while the U.S. Soccer Federation has canceled scheduled friendlies due to the coronavirus pandemic, the organizations have announced.
"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," MLS said Thursday in a statement.
MLS commissioner Don Garber added, "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. We'd like to thank our fans for their continued support during this challenging time."
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The move by MLS comes a day after March 21 games scheduled to be held in Seattle and San Jose, California, were postponed due to the spread of the virus in those communities. The NBA has suspended its season until further notice after multiple players from the Utah Jazz tested positive for COVID-19.
A source with knowledge of the situation told ESPN on Thursday that MLS will look to reschedule the games for later in the season rather than play behind closed doors. The fact that MLS is just two weeks into its regular season gives it additional flexibility with regard to the schedule.
The cancellations by the USSF involve friendlies for the U.S. men's national team against the Netherlands on March 26 and Wales four days later. The USSF also canceled two friendlies involving the women's national team against Australia in Sandy, Utah, on April 10 and against Brazil in San Jose on April 14.
"With the health of our players, coaches, staff and fans as our main priority, U.S. Soccer has decided it was in the best interest to cancel the majority of our upcoming domestic and international camps at all levels, including our senior men's and women's national team games in March and April," said U.S. Soccer's chief medical officer George Chiampas.
"We have been in communication with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local departments of public health, and after those conversations and continuously monitoring the situation, we strongly believe this is the best decision considering the ongoing worldwide health situation."
The spread of the virus has also affected the CONCACAF Champions League, which suspended all matches with "immediate effect," including Thursday's quarterfinal first-leg match between LAFC and Cruz Azul.
The USL Championship announced a 30-day postponement of its matches and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has cancelled its preseason. The U.S. Ope Cup was also delayed.
All CONCACAF competitions have been suspended for the next 30 days, including men's Olympic qualifying in Guadalajara, the confederation announced Friday morning, following a conference call between the CONCACAF Council on Thursday.
The United States squad was already in Mexico preparing for the competition, which was set to begin on March 20, but team members will begin departing Mexico on Friday.