LaLiga chief Javier Tebas says voiding season not an option and believes August finish is possible

LaLiga president Javier Tebas is not contemplating voiding the 2019-20 season
EPA
Ben Hayward7 April 2020

LaLiga president Javier Tebas says he is not contemplating the possibility of the season being declared void amid the enforced break brought about by coronavirus and believes the competition can finish in August.

All football in Spain has been suspended since March 12 due to Covid-19 and with the nation in lockdown until at least April 26, it is unclear if and when the action can resume.

But when asked in a conference call with international journalists on Tuesday what would happen with the outcome of the title, the Champions League spots and relegation if the season could not be continued, Tebas said: “It is only something that I would contemplate if I was asleep. If I am awake, not at all.

"We are not considering that. It is something that will be studied only at the point at which it absolutely has to be. I do not wish to start the debate now because it is pointless and only generates a conflict of interest.

“None of the big or medium leagues are considering terminating the season. Not returning is not an option we are thinking about at all.”

Tebas claimed a void season would mean losses of around €1billion for Spanish clubs and €300m if the remaining fixtures are played behind closed doors.

"If we don't resume, the economic impact on Spanish clubs, including money from European competitions, would be worth around €1billion," he said.

"That figure is not just based on league revenue, but also includes money teams won't get from Champions League revenue.

"The losses will be €300million if games are played behind closed doors and then €150million if we resume with fans because of the damage that has already been caused."

The LaLiga chief also went on to outline several scenarios for restarting the competition.

“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." he said.

"When? We can’t say at the moment. The Spanish medical authorities will tell us. There is a state of alarm until April 26 and we will not start training until that point at the very earliest.

"The most probable options at the moment for matches returning are May 28-29, June 6-7 and June 28-29.

“We will look at other scenarios as they occur, especially when we see what happens in April. We think we can finish in August. We think that’s viable. Uefa made a big effort to enable us to optimise the dates."