April 14 – Real Sociedad have abandoned plans to resume training in times of a global health crisis following an intervention from Spanish authorities.
As the first La Liga team, the club had intended to return to individual practice on Tuesday, a move prompted by the Spanish government’s decision to allow some workers to restart work in non-essential industries. On Sunday, the club were forced to make a u-turn following a call from secretary of state for sport Irene Lozano.
In March, La Liga, like the vast majority of leagues around the world, was suspended following the spread of the coronavirus. In Spain, Covid-19 has struck hard, with more than 18,000 deaths. according to data from the Johns Hopkins University.
Sociedad had carefully planned a resumption of activities, with players set to follow strict protocols. They would not shower at the club and not use the dressing room. The club also clarified that the sessions were on a voluntary basis, but all those measures were not enough to persuade Spanish authorities to green-light the club’s plans.
The club did consult with local police and health authorities, but the Consejo Superior de Deportes, a part of Spain’s sports ministry, prohibited the sessions, arguing that the state of emergency in the country did not permit a return for mass entertainment industries.
“We are fully aware of our responsibility and we are working on a plan for getting both our athletes and employees back to work following the protocols established by the [health] authorities. Health is the absolute priority, above all other considerations,” said the club in a statement. “We want to thank the CSD for their friendly attitude during our conversations.”
“Real Sociedad recalls that our decision was to allow players to return to training at Zubieta from Tuesday 14. In no case was this training at Zubieta going to be done in groups. Moreover, it was up to each player to decide whether they wanted to do it at home or at Zubieta. If they wanted to do it at Zubieta, it would be done following the protocols established, which scrupulously respect the security measures put in place by the health authorities.”
Contact the writer of this story, Samimdra Kunti, at moc.l1734882077labto1734882077ofdlr1734882077owedi1734882077sni@o1734882077fni1734882077