Spanish soccer league to play without spectators for next two weeks

Spain’s top soccer league, La Liga, will play league matches without spectators until at least March 22 in an attempt to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

“According to information from the High Council of Sports (CSD), La Liga matches will be played behind closed doors, starting today (March 10) and for at least the next two weeks,” the league said in a statement, according to The Guardian.

“La Liga will continue to be in permanent contact with the Ministry of Health and the CSD to follow its recommendations and/or decisions, prioritizing the health of fans, players, club employees, journalists etc, due to the Covid-19 health crisis,” it added.

Spain has reported more than 1,500 cases of the virus and 35 deaths. In addition to league matches, Champions League fixtures in the country are also set to be played without fans present, including Barcelona’s second-leg match against Napoli.

The move comes after Serie A, Italy’s top league, suspended all games until April 3. Upcoming qualifying matches around Europe for Euro 2020 are also set to be played in empty stadiums.

Italy, Spain, France and Germany are the European countries that have been hit the hardest by the virus.