As Spanish Football League popularly known as La Liga plans to return to action after a break occasioned by the novel COVID 19 pandemic, one of the football clubs in the league, Eibar FC has expressed some concerns.
Eibar, in a statement released to a Spanish radio station, called for caution to forestall a new wave of the pandemic.
“It worries us that by doing what we like most, we could get infected and infect our family and friends and even contribute to a new wave of the pandemic – with the terrible consequences that would have for the whole population. The health of everyone should be the most important thing and now is the time to back this idea up with actions and not just words. We ask for guarantees and we demand responsibility” the statement reads.
With Germany’s Bundesliga restarting on 16 May 2020 La Liga has commenced testing players for coronavirus this week as part of the protocols in place for training to resume and elite football in Spain to get going again behind closed doors in June.
The protocols are part of a four-phase process progressing from preparation for training, individual training, group training, and then collective training.
Official figures show more than 26,000 people have died with coronavirus in Spain and there have been more than 222,000 positive tests.
While La Liga president Javier Tebas has made no secret of wanting to get football up and running again, he insists “people’s health is paramount” and is the reason for the “comprehensive protocol”.
“Circumstances are unprecedented, but we hope to start playing again in June and finish our season this summer,” he said.
Real Madrid, second to Barcelona, with 11 rounds of games remaining, plan to restart individual training on Monday, and their captain, Sergio Ramos, says he “can’t wait to get playing and competing… as long as there is no risk of contagion”.
“I think it is time for those of us who are involved in football to take a step forward,” added Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic.
