The Canadian Soccer League has delayed the kickoff of the 2020 season for a further month beyond the earlier May 29 start announced at the beginning of April. A further delay to Monday, June 29, is the new target kickoff date following recent decisions of local municipalities which owns and operates the enclosed stadiums and following recommendations of senior health officials.
Should the kickoff take place on June 29, CSL administrator Pino Jazbec remains confident of scheduling a complete season including playoffs during the months of July, August, September and October. “The schedule will continue to be played on weekends, with a few midweek games to accommodate the entire season before November 1,” he said.
The Canadian Premier League has not ruled out playing some matches in the 2020 season behind closed doors. “But the reality is, without fans in the stands, there is no revenue.” CPL commissioner David Clanachan told Sportsnet 590 The Fan on April 16. Without a firm plan just yet, the league has said it is constantly running different scenarios on what a 2020 season would look like to get it back to normal.
Announcements from the soccer communities elsewhere include Major League Soccer which has extended its resumption of the schedule to at least June 8. The league says it continues to explore scheduling options to accommodate a full season, including a delay of the MLS Cup into December or later.
Soccer in Spain is considering resuming play shortly, but without fans. The soccer federation decided that if they don’t re-start the season soon it may be necessary to use the present standings to decide the four clubs to play in the Champions League, which would mean giving the spots to Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla and Real Sociedad.
Meetings at the English Premier League suggest the clubs are still hopeful of resuming their campaign soon and latest reports suggest that clubs want the season finished by June 30. May 18 is set as a day to resume training.
