LALIGA have revealed they will not deem the season null and void due to coronavirus – saying that would cost them £840million.
League president Javier Tebas spent 90 minutes answering questions from journalist via video-link.
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Javier Tebas says the LaLiga season will not be deemed null and void, saying that would cost £840mCredit: EPA
In it he revealed:
- Cancelling the season was not an option.
- A number of scenarios are being discussed, including finishing the season behind closed doors.
- There is no set date for a return to action.
- Officials are doing everything they can to protect the future of football.
Tebas said: “We’re looking to ensure the best health conditions for players for when they resume training and we’re looking to reduce the economic risk.
“This is a health pandemic, but also an economic pandemic.”
But Tebas ruled out the idea of deeming the season null and void, while stating there are a number of scenarios being considered.
He continued: “Nulling and voiding the season is not an option on the table.
“But we are reviewing multiple scenarios, such as what happens if we play behind closed doors and what happens if we play with crowds and what happens if games aren’t played
“We have to look at all possibilities, but we’re not working towards a situation where we don’t complete the season.”
COSTLY BUSINESS
Tebas went on to reveal part of the reason for not scrapping the season entirely was the cost – estimating it would mean they would lose £840m.
Completing the 2019-20 LaLiga campaign behind closed doors would cost £250m, while resuming the season WITH fans after a longer delay would cost £120m.
On concluding the season behind closed doors, Tebas continued: “We will not have fans until the health authorities allow it.
“The decision does not depend on LaLiga or the clubs. We know it can affect future seasons so we are calculating the potential impact.”
But Tebas has no idea idea when football will return – but claimed even Uefa have admitted domestic football trumps European competition right now.
He said: “We are conscious that many people are suffering from the lack of competition right now. We want to support everyone.
“We can’t put an exact date on when we’ll return as the Spanish government’s health authorities have to set that.
“There are two options for organising the schedules, one with domestic leagues at the weekends and European matches midweek.
“Another option is to work towards finishing the domestic leagues first.
“The coordination with Uefa is very important and they have made a considerable effort to help ensure that the domestic leagues can finish.
“We need to keep evaluating the situation based on what happens during the month of April.”
What we’re working towards here is to save the future of football.
Javier Tebas
Tebas concluded by saying any measures being put in place now are purely done so to ensure the future of football is safe.
He said: “The most important aspect of this is that we protect our future. What we’re working towards here is to save the future of football.
“By acting now, we can ensure that we have a sustainable model. We will not forget the responsibilities we have to everyone.”
But Tebas is now locked in a battle with Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales – who want to use the current standings to determine who earns next season’s European places.
Under the plan, agreed by bosses in Madrid, the last table of completed fixtures will determine which clubs are put forward to Uefa.
If games do not resume, that would see Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla and Real Sociedad – currently ahead of Getafe on goals scored but who would trail the Madrid minnows on the head to head rule unless they won the scheduled away game – put into the Champions League.
Atletico Madrid, a point adrift of fourth with 11 games to go, would be forced to take a Europa League place with the final spot depending on the Copa del Rey final due to be played between Sociedad and Bilbao.
The idea comes as Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets admitted he does not want the title to be handed to the Nou Camp side unless it is won on the pitch.
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Busquets said: “I think it will be difficult to resume. I don’t think it can be done with the amount of rules that are in place.
“At the outset I wanted to see how it would evolve and it does seem we have reached the peak.
“But I think it will be difficult to resume because of the travel issues and getting everyone together. That would be a problem.”
Barca are currently two points clear at the top but the midfielder added: “It is true that we have two more points and they could give us the title.
“But it wouldn’t look good. I would want to play the league.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
