MLS extends training ban citing COVID-19 concerns

MLS, which includes Atlanta United, on Friday extended its mandate against teams training in large groups through March 27 because of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its statement, the league said players are expected to remain in each club’s market and should exercise social distancing measures. Training facilities should only be used by players undergoing physical therapy.

USL, which includes Atlanta United 2, announced earlier in the day that it extended its moratorium against training for its clubs through April 5.

On Thursday MLS announced that it was suspending its games through the next eight weeks, citing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The league had previously announced a 30-day suspension of games on March 12.

Based upon the frequency of the extensions, the league appears to be making the decision to suspend training as information arrives. The first suspension occurred on March 12 and was through the weekend. The next suspension came on March 15 and was through March 20.

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