Though Major League Soccer and its Canadian clubs announced that Toronto FC and CF Montreal had been given the green light to play home matches in Canada as early as this weekend, sources tell Sportsnet that The Public Health Agency and federal government continue to review the request and no approval has been issued.
The federal government is expected to release a statement shortly to clarify the situation.
Earlier on Wednesday, MLS announced that TFC and CF Montreal would be able to host matches in their home cities, although with a limited number of fans. The squads of Montreal and Toronto returned home last week after the federal government loosened pandemic-related border restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers.
The request from MLS and the Canadian clubs was to have Toronto host Orlando City on Saturday and the New York Red Bulls next Wednesday at BMO Field while Montreal would entertain FC Cincinnati on Saturday at Saputo Stadium.
TFC finished out last season in East Hartford, Conn., and started this year in Orlando. Montreal shifted its base of operation to Harrison, N.Y., last year and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., this year. The Vancouver Whitecaps set up shop in Portland and Utah, respectively.
“During this temporary window, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will host their home matches on July 17 and July 20 at Rio Tinto Stadium (in Sandy, Utah) as conversations continue with the Canadian government regarding the three Canadian teams hosting future home matches in Canada,” MLS said in a statement.
A TFC spokesman said the club aimed to have 7,000 at BMO Field Saturday and 15,000 next week, with Saturday’s crowd made up of front-line health-care workers, first responders and season seat members. Montreal looks to host 5,000 fans at Saputo Stadium should the league and teams get permission to return.
— With files from The Canadian Press.
