National Women’s Soccer League to reopen on May 16

The coronavirus pandemic that halted soccer competitions around the world in March left professional North American leagues indefinitely suspended.

One competition is tentatively preparing its return.

On Thursday, Steven Goff of the Washington Post reported the National Women’s Soccer League is planning to reopen training camps on May 16. Like Major League Soccer and other competitions, the virus outbreak left the NWSL in limbo in mid-March.

Goff added the NWSL season could begin on June 27-28. It's likely, if not guaranteed, that fans will not be allowed to attend matches for the foreseeable future.

As has been the case with Premier League clubs, NWSL training sessions will occur under strict guidelines. Footballers will practice one at a time, and they will be required to follow social-distancing protocols.

MLS remains on hiatus through at least May 15. There are currently no known plans to resume the season that was placed on hold after two matchdays.

As Brian Straus of Sports Illustrated wrote, the USL League Two, NPSL, and NISA have all canceled seasons because of the coronavirus. The Dutch Eredivisie voided its domestic season, a decision that deprived Ajax of the title. Paris Saint-Germain were crowned Ligue 1 champions after French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe declared no sports will occur in the country until at least September.

English Premier League clubs are set to hold a video meeting on Friday to discuss the completion of its season despite the fears of some players.

Manchester City star Sergio Aguero has claimed footballers are currently "scared" to play.