Major Euro league confirms plan for 19/20 re-start, very positive sign for Leeds promotion hopes
All UK football is currently suspended amid the Coronavirus outbreak but there’s a commitment from the Premier League and the EFL to continue when it is safe to do so.
That makes the most recent developments in Europe interesting and they will likely have a very positive knock-on effect for Leeds, who are sitting on top of the league and on the brink of promotion.
Bundesliga clubs started training again in small groups this week in the first step back to normality.
And on Tuesday, La Liga has set three potential re-start dates for the 19/20 season, with president Javier Tebas saying he is confident the domestic leagues can be finished – albeit behind closed doors – in August.
Talking in the Guardian, Tebas said, “The studies are ongoing and I feel assured that both [European and domestic] competitions will be completed.”
Asked if La Liga had thought of voiding domestic leagues he said, “It is only something that I would contemplate if I was asleep; if I am awake, not at all.
“A protocol is being drafted by three medical teams over the last two weeks for a return to training which involves the possibility of doing coronavirus tests and isolation in dressing rooms.
“There is a state of alarm until 26 April and we will not start training until that point at the very earliest. The most probable options at the moment for matches returning are 28-29 May, 6-7 June and 28-29 June.”
It was reported that Spain was passing its peak of infections on April 4, while the UK is about to hit that milestone. It puts the UK about a week behind Spain.
That’s why these dates are fascinating and give the clearest path yet for football to resume in the UK.
With time needed to get players back up to full match fitness, La Liga is looking to potentially start games around a month after training resumes.
The three re-start dates span a four-week period starting from the end of May up until the end of June.
And the plan, that involves testing and isolation, is one that’s similar to discussions that have taken place here.
Two things are becoming clearer – that the likelihood of this season getting finished is increasing. However, the chance of fans being allowed back in for the games is slim to non-existent.
That will upset some Leeds United supporters but we think the majority will accept that playing behind closed doors and getting promoted is better than the season not getting finished at all.
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