Soccer-After the 2020 brushstroke, MLS will introduce a clause to renegotiate players ’contract

(Reuters) -Major League Soccer (MLS) calls for a clause to renegotiate the bargaining agreement (CBA) with the players’ union after the COVID-19 pandemic cost nearly $ 1 billion in 2020.

MLS avoided a lockout in June when its players ratified the CBA, which included a 5% pay cut for players and a force majeure clause, which the league introduced to force players and the league now to renegotiate. make the contract for 30 days.

“Unfortunately, based on the assessment of public health officials, it is clear that the impact of COVID-19 and the restrictions on attendance at sporting events will continue into the 2021 MLS season,” said MLS President and Deputy -Commissioner Mark Abbott in a statement.

If a new agreement cannot be reached within a month, the contract will end.

The MLS Players Association (MLSPA) criticized the move.

“After a 2020 season of real sacrifice, a serious threat to personal health, and an incredible league-wide effort to return to play successfully, this deafening act by the league belittles the sacrifices made by previous players. and the great challenges they posed. 2020, ”the MLSPA said in a statement.

MLS suspended competition in March when the novel coronavirus disrupted the world of sports. It reopened with its “MLS is Back” competition in quarantine “bubble” conditions in Orlando, Florida, in July and resumed in the regular season in August.

But fans have largely been locked out of games due to health and safety measures, a major problem for MLS, which relies heavily on human presence and has already incurred additional costs. compete within the “bubbles” of Walt Disney World.

“We recognize the impact of the pandemic on our players and we value their efforts to restart and complete the 2020 season,” said Abbott.

“Like the other leagues in the United States and Canada, MLS must address the ongoing challenges posed by the epidemic and engage in well-intentioned discussions with our players on ways to address the major economic issues to govern our future. ”