Spanish football league allowed to resume in June

A woman holds a Spanish flag during a protest against the Spanish government amid the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Alcorcon, Spain, Friday, May 22, 2020. The Spanish government is allowing Madrid and Barcelona to ease their lockdown measures, which were introduced to fight the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

BARCELONA, Spain— Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Saturday that the football league in Spain will be allowed to resume from June 8.

While the top tier, La Liga, can play from this date, it has already said it wants to resume play on June 12. It is unclear when the first games will be held.

There has been no play in the top tier since March 12 due to the coronavirus crisis.

Teams have recently returned to training at club facilities, but with players practicing individually. Players are also undergoing tests for the coronavirus.

The interruption to the season forced several clubs, including Barcelona, to reduce player salaries because of a drop in revenues.

Barcelona is top of the league with a two-point lead over Real Madrid after 27 of 38 rounds.

The German league resumed last week with teams playing in stadiums without fans.

Spanish authorities have yet to announce what health measures will be in place when play restarts.

“Of course, play will resume under conditions that guarantee the maximum health security for all the competitors,” Sánchez said.

Spain has confirmed more than 28,000 deaths from COVID-19.