La Liga Postponed Indefinitely As Coronavirus Crisis Worsens

By Ibrahim Taiwo

The Spanish soccer calendar has been postponed until further notice, La Liga and the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) said in a joint statement on Monday.

All organised soccer in Spain had been postponed for two weeks due to the spread of the coronavirus but was initially due to resume on April 3.

The statement said a joint commission between the two bodies had agreed to postpone all professional soccer competitions until the Spanish government considered they could start again "without creating any health risk".

RFEF chief Luis Rubiales last week ruled out cancelling the current season, insisting the campaign would resume once the health crisis was under control.

"Both the RFEF and LaLiga wish to express our greatest public gratitude to all those who are dedicating their best efforts to provide essential services to the Spanish people," added the statement.

"We also share our condolences for all the deceased and a warm embrace from the world of soccer to the many families that are losing loved ones."

More than 33 000 people have been infected by the virus in Spain, the second worst affected country in Europe behind Italy, while over 2 180 people have died from it according to the country's health ministry. (Reuters)