Spanish Players Allowed To Return To Training Next Week

JAKARTA - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said football players could return to individual training with their clubs from next Monday.

The La Liga season was suspended indefinitely on March 23 due to the coronavirus crisis. Strict lockdown measures were implemented in Spain.

Those restrictions have been gradually eased and Sanchez on Tuesday announced players would be allowed to train on their own at club facilities from early next week.

The prime minister added that group training sessions would not be allowed until May 18.

There is no news when this season can be continued, although there are plans to discuss the schedule again in June. It's just that, people like FIFA chief medical officer Michel D'Hooghe say, there shouldn't be a game until the end of August or September.

Sanchez said four phases for easing restrictions have been approved by ministers, depending on developments.

"Phase one, or phase 0, is the preparatory phase for the transitional period in which we are today," said Sanchez. Launch Soccerway, Wednesday, April 29.

"Another example is the resumption of individual training for professional athletes and basic training for professional leagues.

"In phase one or initial phase, depending on several factors, the initiation of some activities will be permitted.

"In the world of sports, it is believed that high training centers and intermediate training sessions for professional leagues can be opened.

"Therefore, we will be in new normality by the end of June if we are able to control the evolution of the pandemic in each region."

Meanwhile, France's Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 seasons ended on Tuesday when French prime minister Edouard Philippe announced that professional football would not be able to resume before September.

The decision followed the Eredivisie, which canceled the season last week. Likewise with the domestic season in Argentina.