June 3 – Spain’s health ministry is weighing up whether to allow fans back into stadiums when the domestic season resumes despite fears of a second wave of Covid-19.
Italy is already considering a partial lifting of the behind-closed-doors policy in July and Spain is now reported to be having the same debate.
Spain’s Health Emergency Coordinator Fernando Simon said specific regions which had fewer infections could be authorised to hold matches with spectators but added that might not be possible in the interest of sporting fairness. La Liga is starting up again on June 11 with the Segunda Division resuming a day later.
Simon said the issue was discussed on Tuesday in an online meeting between Health Minister Salvador Illa, Sports Minister Irene Lozano and four La Liga players including Barcelona’s Gerard Pique and Atletico Madrid’s Koke.
“We haven’t given any firm answer as we are obviously not in a position to do so yet but it is true that the health minister has committed to evaluating the risks,” he said.
Spain was one of the countries in Europe worst-affected by the virus but unlike the UK was quick to impose a strict lockdown in early March.
Despite Simon’s comments, Irene Lozano, president of Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD), insisted it was “impossible” to have fans back in stadiums when La Liga resumes.
“It is impossible. The integrity of the competition must be respected,” she said. “There are many considerations in this regard, but the most essential is sports. Respect the integrity of the competition. If you compare yourself to other places like the Bundesliga, where people have not entered, it is time to be patient, it is time to be responsible.”
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