This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
La Liga's restart plan has sparked concerns among players and coaching staff at Eibar, a Spanish football club. In a statement released on Tuesday, they expressed fear of a fresh coronavirus outbreak.
According to the statement, the players and coaches are worried that they will not be able to physically distance themselves from each other, as recommended by the Spanish government. This concern is heightened by the fact that Spain has been one of the worst-hit countries in the world by the coronavirus pandemic, with 25,613 deaths reported as of Tuesday.
La Liga players are currently undergoing tests and working individually at training grounds as part of a plan to move gradually into groups. The aim is to resume games behind closed doors in June. However, Eibar's players and coaches are demanding guarantees and responsibility from the authorities before returning to competition.
"We are afraid to start an activity where we will not be able to meet the first recommendation of all experts, which is physical distancing," said Eibar's players and coaching staff in a statement. "We are concerned that by doing what we love most, we could catch the virus, infect our family and friends, and even contribute to a new outbreak of the epidemic, with the terrible consequences that would have for the entire population."
Published on May 5, 2020, as the Spanish government's de-escalation programme continues, with adults allowed outside to exercise for the first time in seven weeks.
