With the World Health Organization declaring a pandemic and the United States confirming more than 1,000 cases of infection, Major League Soccer is set to announce a suspension of play until further notice to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
President Donald Trump has also announced that the U.S. is temporarily suspending most travel from Europe, including 26 different countries for 30 days, in an effort to combat the virus.
With regards to MLS, the league had announced the suspension of upcoming games in San Jose and Seattle, but everything is now off while the league continues to monitor the situation.
MLS is suspending its season immediately until further notice due to coronavirus, a source with knowledge of the situation tells Sports Illustrated.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) March 12, 2020
Can confirm @GrantWahl report that #MLS is suspending its season due to #COVID19.
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) March 12, 2020
Breaking: Multiple sources at MLS teams have been told the league is is suspending games immediately in order to fully assess the situation.
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) March 12, 2020
UPDATE: Here’s the official statement from MLS. The league has been suspended for 30 days.
Major League Soccer Suspends Season for 30 Days pic.twitter.com/P0HEPmsnkx
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 12, 2020