WASHINGTON, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Major League Soccer (MLS) announced Monday that FC Dallas has been withdrawn from the MLS is Back Tournament due to ten of the club's players as well as one member of their technical staff testing positive for COVID-19.
Each of these positive tests either occurred upon the club's arrival or within a few days of arrival in Orlando, where the MLS will restart its campaign after the 2020 season was suspended by the COVID-19 crisis.
The decision was made in the best interest of the health of all players and staff participating in the tournament, and in line with protocols created in conjunction with local and national health authorities and infectious disease experts, the league said.
"Given the impact of the number of positive tests on the club's ability to train and play competitive matches, we have made the decision to withdraw FC Dallas from the MLS is Back Tournament," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a statement.
"The health of everyone involved in our return to play has always been our top priority, and we will continue to make decisions consistent with that priority," he added.
"As we continue to focus on the well-being of our players, coaches and staff who are in isolation in Orlando, we understand it is not in their best interests to compete at this time," said FC Dallas coach Luchi Gonzalez. "While we're disappointed, the health and safety of our traveling delegation as well as our league partners is our highest priority."
Dallas had been drawn into Group B of the MLS is Back Tournament, where they were due to face the Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes.
MLS is Back Tournament will be played between July 8 and August 11. Enditem
