NEW YORK CITY – Major League Soccer revealed on Monday that the 2021 season will begin on April 3. Each team will play 34 matches and Decision Day will be back concluding the season on November 7th. That will leave 12 days before the Playoffs begin on November 19th and MLS Cup on December 11th.
As a result of that announcement clubs can begin pre-season on February 22nd, which will be more than enough time for the players currently out of the country to get back and complete any quarantine requirements. MLS pointed out that all players must follow quarantines and complete individual training before joining squad training.
In addition to the MLS matches the MLS All Star Game will return along with the Campeones Cup and Leagues Cup. MLS is also anticipating the return of the US Open Cup, also Champions League matches will be played in home markets again should international travel return.
The unanswered question is what will happen with the Canadian clubs due to the current restriction on travel between the USA and Canada which will make it difficult for those teams. Unlike the National Hockey League there aren’t enough Canadian teams for a complete division but there are too many to make moving an easy solution like the Tampa Raptors in the NBA. MLS has said that it will be make an announcement on the Canadian teams in the near future.
There is still no agreement between MLS and the Player’s Association, the league is claiming that they have offered to pay 100% of their salaries in exchange for extending the collective bargaining agreement. Which as a result would have the players earning less money long-term, so the 100% statement is questionable. The league did mention it’s committed to continuing the negotiations, without a final agreement the season could be in doubt.
Photo courtesy Inter Miami CF/Major League Soccer
Florida Soccer Report 