La Liga Matches May Happen Behind Closed Doors & Empty Stands: Report

Matches in La Liga and the Segunda Division can be played behind closed doors for at least the next two weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak. Spanish authorities took the decision following a meeting early on Tuesday before advising league officials.

In a statement, La Liga said it “will stay in constant contact with the Ministry of Health and CSD (High Council of Sport) to learn their recommendations and/or decisions” going forward. It is expected the measures will come into effect as soon as Tuesday’s La Liga match between Eibar and Real Sociedad at Ipurua.

Osasuna had earlier suspended ticket sales for the game against Sociedad on Sunday, with a message on its website telling fans to await further updates.
The news comes after Barcelona announced that its Champions League last-16, second leg against Napoli will be held behind closed doors next week.

However, as of early on Tuesday, there were no plans to hold Liverpool’s match with Atletico Madrid at Anfield this Wednesday without fans present. Some of the La Liga matches to be affected are the derby between Sevilla and Real Betis, Atletico Madrid’s trip to Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid’s home match with Valencia and Barcelona games against Real Mallorca and Leganes.

Joris Evers, La Liga’s chief communications officer, said on Twitter: “Health is paramount. As a preventive measure, La Liga Santander and La Liga SmartBank will be played behind closed doors the coming two weeks (as will all sporting competitions and events in Spain).”

Confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Spain had jumped to 95923 on Monday, close to double the number recorded on Sunday. 8464 people have died. In India, 1570 people have tested positive and 50 people have died due to the pandemic COVID 19.