NEW YORK(Feb. 13, 2021) – Major League Soccer today announced an update to the MLS club preseason report dates. With the MLS regular season kicking off the weekend of April 17, MLS players will report on March 1 for a seven-day quarantine period, medical exams, and testing prior to the team training start date on March 8. The new preseason report date allows for six weeks of training before Major League Soccer’s 26th season kicks off.
Players may begin their seven-day quarantine period prior to March 1 on a voluntary basis. In such cases, players may conduct individual training during the quarantine period, or may engage in group training following the seven-day quarantine period provided that each player has conducted medical exams and testing. Technical staffs and coaches may not be present during group trainings prior to March 1.
Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Round of 16
Four MLS teams have already qualified for the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Round-of-16, set to kick off April 6-7: Atlanta United, Columbus Crew SC, Philadelphia Union, and Portland Timbers. The four competing teams may require players to report on Feb. 24 to begin the required seven-day quarantine, with a team training start date of March 3. On a voluntary basis, players may begin their quarantine period prior to Feb. 24. In such case, players may conduct individual training during the quarantine period and may engage in group training prior to March 3 provided that each player in the group training has conducted medical exams and testing. Technical staffs and coaches for Atlanta, Columbus, Philadelphia, and Portland may not be present during group trainings prior to Feb. 24.
Canadian Championship Final
In preparation for the Canadian Championship Final, Toronto FC are permitted to open training camp on Feb. 17, provided that all players participating in team training have conducted a seven-day quarantine period, medical exams, and testing. Importantly, players and staff returning to Canada are required to quarantine for 14 days upon entry into the country in compliance with Health Canada guidelines.
MLS will announce additional details of the 2021 regular season schedule in the coming weeks.
