There is simply no denying that when COVID hit, it made an ever-lasting impact that still can be felt today. This is especially true in the world of sport, soccer particularly. Soccer was one sport that has always been played on a global level.
Players from all around the globe came from far and different walks of life to showcase their skills to an adoring and caring audience. Not only this, but they showcased those skills in some of the most revered stadiums and arena throughout the world.
A lot of games were held in Spain, a lot of games were held in Russia, some of the more significant games where help in Barcelona. Simply put, soccer is a global sport that was played at a global level and this is probably why it was one to feel the brunt of this pandemic.
Heck, the league is still suffering from the hit, but what’s going on now? Does it look like there are any signs of recovery?
Upcoming Games In Spain, France, And Portugal
It was just recently released that all the upcoming games in Spain, France, and Portugal will be played in an empty stadium. Heck, it was also announced that some of the qualifying games for the Germany and European Championship will be played in empty stadiums as well.
While many might see this as a major loss, some still see it as a win, given the fact that the games will get to take place at all. The Spanish league said Tuesday that this is something that’ll go on for nearly at least two weeks.
It seems that the first and second divisions will be played without fans. This was an announcement that came right after the government outlined a series of preventative measures being implemented to help contain the spread of the virus.
One such implementation was to have all sporting events with a significant number of fans – professional and non-professional- be played in empty venues. The league said that these changes were brought about by prioritizing the health of fans, players, journalists, and club employees.
It was not a lite decision or an easy one to make, but the league wants everyone to know that they did so with everyone’s best interests in mind.
Portugal And France With A Similar Approach
It was also announced that a similar approach will be taken in Portugal. The only difference here is that the youth soccer competitions have been suspended along with any non-professional match that can't be played with crowds bigger than 5,000 people. This is when France followed suit, announcing an even similar structure.
They said that all its top two division games will also be played without fans until April 15th. This was a move in France that came right after Italy announced that all sporting events in the country, including Serie A soccer games and preparatory events for the Tokyo Olympics, would be suspended until April 3rd.
On the upside, the first major game that will take place without fans in Spain will be one between Real Madrid and Eibar. And, it will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Friday.
This will no doubt be an exciting game to come back to, even if it will be without fans. Punters from all around the world can still visit their favorite online casino and place bets right now. You’ll likely want to get in on the action while the action is still good to get in on.
Championship League Matches
Unfortunately, it looks like championship league matches are not impervious to these regulations either.
The Championship League matches in Spain, including the one between Barcelona and Napoli at the Camp Nou will be a match up without a live audience.
It goes without saying that millions will be huddled in front of their favorite streaming devices and TV, but they will not have the opportunity to partake in the action live.
This is an announcement that probably didn’t come as a shock to many, as Spain has previously announced that it was going to play Tuesday’s Championships League between Valencia and Italian Club Atlanta in an empty stadium.
Two Europa League matches in the country have been affected as well. Sevilla VS Romas on Thursday and Getafe VS Inter Milan on March 19th will also be impacted by these no-audience regulations.