MLS extends suspension into May, players pass time juggling toilet paper with feet
Inter Miami fans will have to wait at least a month longer to see the team’s home debut. Major League Soccer announced on Thursday that it is extending the postponement of its season in accordance with the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC recommended that events involving more than 50 people be postponed over the next eight weeks in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Inter Miami was scheduled to play its highly-anticipated home opener March 14 against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
An MLS statement said the league remains focused on playing the entire 2020 season and is evaluating all options, including pushing back the end of the season and playing MLS Cup in December, as the league did prior to the 2019 season.
In the meantime, self-quarantined Inter Miami players have been keeping busy working out at home and juggling toilet paper as part of a global social distancing challenge. Nicknamed #StayAtHomeChallenge, soccer players all over the world juggle a roll of toilet paper with their feet — some of them while washing their hands. Players post videos of themselves juggling and challenge other players to join the fun.
“The league is also identifying other available dates. Throughout this process, MLS will continue to prioritize the safety of its fans, players, employees and partners and to coordinate with federal and local public health authorities as well as other sporting organizations.”
“The ownership groups have been working closely with the league office every step of the way. We’re fully supportive of the league’s decision to abide by the CDC recommendation,” said Inter Miami COO and sporting director Paul McDonough. “We’re really impressed with the unified efforts of all the players, the teams, the owners and the league office working to try to make sure we handle this properly. We want everyone to stay safe and we look forward to getting back to playing soon.”
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 3:35 PM.