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La Liga’s plan to return to action was exhaustive. To ensure teams can play during the global crisis, a four-part protocol was reportedly drawn up that includes daily coronavirus tests, isolating players from their families, and even biodegradable kit bags. The process, designed to have players match-ready in a month, was approved by medical departments at seven different Spanish clubs, and discussions over its implementation began last Wednesday.
The plan was exhaustive, but it missed one vital element: the players’ consent. Their safety is being disregarded.
La Liga president Javier Tebas crunched the numbers and calculated that finishing the season without fans could cause a financial shortfall of around €300 million. However, that’s obviously preferable to a bill of approximately €1 billion for canceling the campaign entirely. He insists soccer should return before other public events because it represents 1.37% of the country’s GDP.
However, as someone who prioritizes fiscal matters over sense, Tebas must appreciate that professional sports contracts don’t state an expectation to risk lives during a pandemic. It’s above …read more