The 2019-20 edition of LaLiga was proving to be one of the best yet. After Matchday 27, two points separated league-leader Barcelona and Real Madrid. Meanwhile, the race for Champions League spots was hotly contested as five points were the difference between third-place Sevilla and seventh-place Valencia. Fans of the league are begging for the return of competition and ask: When will La Liga resume?
On March 12, the league agreed to postponed Matchdays 28 and 29 after concerns over the virus and various issues — like the entire Real Madrid team being quarantined — began to arise.
Official statement.
LaLiga confirms suspension of the competition for Matchdays 28 and 29.https://t.co/8PugprnNoP pic.twitter.com/lkAlD64WUA
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) March 12, 2020
So, when will La Liga resume? Not anytime soon. LaLiga announced it is postponing the season until further notice as the situation worsens. As of Wednesday, April 1, Spain has over 100,000 reported cases of COVID-19. Valencia reported a large number of cases within its roster and staff.
Official statement.
Spanish football competitions postponed until further notice as agreed by RFEF-LaLiga.— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) March 23, 2020
Valencia say 35% of their playing squad and backroom staff have tested positive for coronavirus: https://t.co/hvggjcwaLS pic.twitter.com/NgtFehNxND
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 17, 2020
Not all hope is lost though. Jaume Roures, the CEO of Spanish TV rights, has said he hopes to see a return of the league in July, but without fans.
Jaume Roures, CEO of Spanish TV rights holder on radio just now saying he hopes season can be completed in July & August behind closed doors. Makes idea of a June return for Premier League seem even more fanciful
— Kieran Canning (@KieranCanning) March 31, 2020
According to AS, if the season was deemed unable to resume, Rubiales said league-leader Barcelona wouldn’t be crowned champions.
“The 19-20 season has to end with the same rules and not change, although the situation is exceptional," Rubiales said. "I cannot guarantee that the competition will end, as others have risked saying, before June 30. It is unfair that the competition ends with the classification as it is now.”
It is still uncertain what the fate of the teams at the bottom of the table will be if play is unable to resume. Espanyol sits in last, six points from safety. In 19th place is Leganes, three points from safety, and Mallorca is one point from safety.