Egypt, Saudi Arabia coordinate on regional crises ahead of first Supreme Council meeting    FRA launches first register for tech-based risk assessment firms in non-banking finance    Egypt's Health Ministry, Philips to study local manufacturing of CT scan machines    African World Heritage Fund registers four new sites as Egypt hosts board meetings    Maduro faces New York court as world leaders demand explanation and Trump threatens strikes    Egypt identifies 80 measures to overhaul startup environment and boost investment    Turkish firm Eroglu Moda Tekstil to invest $5.6m in Egypt garment factory    EGX closes in red area on 5 Jan    Gold rises on Monday    Oil falls on Monday    Al-Sisi pledges full support for UN desertification chief in Cairo meeting    Al-Sisi highlights Egypt's sporting readiness during 2026 World Cup trophy tour    Egypt opens Braille-accessible library in Cairo under presidential directive    Abdelatty urges calm in Yemen in high-level calls with Turkey, Pakistan, Gulf states    Madbouly highlights "love and closeness" between Egyptians during Christmas visit    Egypt confirms safety of citizens in Venezuela after US strikes, capture of Maduro    From Niche to National Asset: Inside the Egyptian Golf Federation's Institutional Rebirth    5th-century BC industrial hub, Roman burials discovered in Egypt's West Delta    Egyptian-Italian team uncovers ancient workshops, Roman cemetery in Western Nile Delta    Egypt, Viatris sign MoU to expand presidential mental health initiative    Egypt's PM reviews rollout of second phase of universal health insurance scheme    Egypt sends medical convoy, supplies to Sudan to support healthcare sector    Egypt sends 15th urgent aid convoy to Gaza in cooperation with Catholic Relief Services    Al-Sisi: Egypt seeks binding Nile agreement with Ethiopia    Egyptian-built dam in Tanzania is model for Nile cooperation, says Foreign Minister    Al-Sisi affirms support for Sudan's sovereignty and calls for accountability over conflict crimes    Egypt flags red lines, urges Sudan unity, civilian protection    Egyptian Golf Federation appoints Stuart Clayton as technical director    4th Egyptian Women Summit kicks off with focus on STEM, AI    UNESCO adds Egyptian Koshari to intangible cultural heritage list    Egypt recovers two ancient artefacts from Belgium    Egypt warns of erratic Ethiopian dam operations after sharp swings in Blue Nile flows    Sisi expands national support fund to include diplomats who died on duty    Egypt's PM reviews efforts to remove Nile River encroachments    Egypt resolves dispute between top African sports bodies ahead of 2027 African Games    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Broadcaster predicts La Liga restart in July with no fans
Published in Ahram Online on 01 - 04 - 2020

Spain's La Liga could recommence in July without spectators, the head of a major broadcaster has said, adding that the season was likely to be cancelled if a player tested positive for the coronavirus once the campaign had restarted.
All organised soccer in Spain has been on hold since March 10 due to the spread of the deadly virus although Jaume Roures, CEO of Spanish multimedia group Mediapro, predicted that matches could resume behind closed doors in three months' time.
“I expect football to return in July, certainly without supporters, but first of all there would have to be a pre-season campaign,” Roures told radio station Cadena Cope on Wednesday.
Spain is the second-worst affected country in Europe by the virus behind Italy and on Tuesday reported a record daily death toll of 849 from the virus, which has killed a total of 8,189 people.
Players from Valencia, Espanyol and Alaves have tested positive for the virus and Roures said if another player was to contract the disease then the season would have to be cancelled.
“If a player tested positive, for example on July 20, we'd have to throw in the towel and say goodbye to the season,” Roures added.
“We have to take every measure possible to ensure that doesn't happen. But if it does, the party is over.”
With 11 matches still to be played, Barcelona lead Real Madrid by two points at the top of the standings, while the battle to avoid relegation is also finely balanced.
La Liga's organising body has put the estimated cost of the season not finishing at 700 million euros ($772 million) and has vowed to finish the season, as has the national soccer federation.
“I don't think it's too difficult to play 11 matches in two months. Not playing would leave a hole of 700 million euros which would take a lot to fix,” added Roures.
“We would be suffering for a long time as a result so that's why we have to try to finish the season.”
Reporting by Richard Martin;
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)


Clic here to read the story from its source.