COVID infections soar in LaLiga: when can a match be postponed?

The wave of COVID infections fully affects LaLiga teams. This Monday the return to post-Christmas training began in the First and Second clubs and they have done so by subjecting their players to PCR and antigen tests. In several teams (Real Sociedad, Eibar, Celta, Cádiz …) the number of positives is being high. Now, although in some cases it is exceeding up to ten players with COVID, None are in danger at this time of having to postpone their match for the next day (December 31, January 2 and 3).

The Federation and LaLiga agreed since last season a series of adaptations to the competition regulations to try to prevent the pandemic from stopping the League again. To do this, and Until 100% of the players are vaccinated, a series of clauses will be in force that allows reducing the minimum number of players with a first team card in a match of First and Second.

Minimum number of players required

In article 10.2 of the competition rules, the following is stipulated about the alienation of each team: “In order to start a match, each of the teams must appear and maintain throughout the development of the same, at least seven footballers of those who make up the squad of the category in which the team plays“That is to say, under normal circumstances, of the eleven players on the pitch per club, at least seven have to be registered with the first team. Although since the pandemic is there an exception has been added. CThere is the possibility of reducing that minimum number from seven professional players to five. This is established by the COVID provisions agreed by LaLiga and the RFEF: “The minimum number of players in the first team (7) will remain fully in force during the entire competition except when the COVID causes operate, in which case the minimum number of licensed players from the first squad for the dispute of the match and during the entire development of the match will be 5 players, unless the club has a greater number (up to 7 ) enabled for the meeting “. In other words, if a team normally has between 22 and 25 players in the first team, it would be enough with five healthy players and the rest of the subsidiary to be able to play the game.

In addition, to guarantee the celebration of the matches, Calls are allowed to be for a minimum of 13 players: “Due to COVID causes, the minimum availability will be increased to 13 players between the first team and the dependent teams or subsidiary club.” Thus, if a team has only 5 players from the first team, it must complete the call with 8 players from the subsidiary.

Number of matches that can be postponed

There is a limit to the number of matches that each First or Second Division team can postpone. “ANDThe maximum number of postponements for First Division clubs will be a single match and two matches for Second Division clubs. “, indicate the competition bases. But, this has an expiration date: “It will not be possible to postpone the matches when they occur after matchday 30 in First and matchday 34 in Second “. That is, First Clubs can postpone one match due to COVID and two in the case of Second until the end of March, before days 30 and 34 respectively are played.

LaLiga COVID Protocol

Upon returning from vacation, all players will have to undergo a PCR to start training, there will also be other weekly during the first fifteen days of January, as well as a daily serological control. With a negative result in the antigen test, individual training will be allowed; Once the results of the PCR have been obtained, they will be able to train in a group.

During the rest of the season clubs will need to perform a daily antigen test. The match dates, the local club must do it first thing in the morning or at the beginning of the concentration, while the visitor must take a test before starting the trip. LaLiga will give 60 daily tests to each First and Second club (for players of the first team and subsidiary, as well as the rest of the staff that is in contact with the squad). They will also undergo a PCR upon return from FIFA breaks, new signings, players who return from three days or more of rest in a row and other situations that require it.

What’s more, among the new measures, it is recommended once again that the use of changing rooms be avoided. Footballers are expected to come dressed to training sessions and matches. “They are areas of high risk of transmission. Extraordinary measures must be taken for them ”, LaLiga advises the clubs. If they are used, several must be enabled and always for a maximum of seven people. At meals, the groups will be reduced to four.

Regarding the quarantine and discharge of the affected subject, The regulations of the Ministry of Health of each Autonomous Community must be complied with. That is, ten days of quarantine. Regarding close contacts, despite the fact that they are exempt from quarantine, LaLiga recommends during the next ten tests to be carried out when the partner’s positive is known and another around seven days from the last contact with the positive.