LaLiga have signalled their intention to resume action next month amid the coronavirus pandemic, as clubs return to training this week.
Players from the top two divisions of Spanish football will train individually after an agreement was made with sports and health authorities in the country.
Freddie Flintoff insists sport shouldn’t return anytime soon – “Playing sport now is not in everyone’s best interest.”
All players must undergo testing before they can return to their respective club’s training facilities.
Just like all across Europe, football in Spain has been suspended indefinitely since March as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The June restart proposal will be subject to extensive testing procedures over the next four weeks, with government approval needed before football can return.
“This crisis has had a profound impact on all of us,” Javier Tebas, LaLiga’s president, said.
Give COVID-19 the red card
The quicker we work together to stop coronavirus spreading, the sooner we can get back into the pubs, the gyms and stadiums and arenas to see live sport again…
STAY AT HOME. Only leave for the following purposes:
- to shop for basic essentials – only when you really need to
- to do one form of exercise a day – such as a run, walk or cycle, alone or with other people you live with
- for any medical need – for example, to visit a pharmacy or deliver essential supplies to a vulnerable person
- to travel to and from work – but only where this is absolutely necessary
For more info and tips, visit the NHS website.
The government has also issued further detail on what we can do during lockdown.
Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.
“The return of football is a sign that society is progressing towards the new normal.
“It will also bring back an element of life that people in Spain and around the world know and love.
“People’s health is paramount, so we have a comprehensive protocol to safeguard the health of everyone involved as we work to restart LaLiga.
“Circumstances are unprecedented, but we hope to start playing again in June and finish our 19-20 season this summer.”
Barcelona lie two points clear of arch nemesis Real Madrid at the top of the table with 11 games remaining, while Mallorca, Leganes and Espanyol occupy the three relegation spots as things stand.
