In normal circumstances, we’d be gearing up to catch the end of a memorable and exciting La Liga season. But the start of 2020 has been far from normal. The world has been hit by a pandemic that has not only jeopardised the football industry but affected millions of people around the world.
The impact of COVID-19 is not yet known. What is known is that the only way to lessen the impact is if we all come together and stand united against it. Football, for example, has taken a backseat as the common goal has been to ensure the health
and safety of the players and supporters worldwide.
As highlighted by La Liga South Africa’s Managing Director Marcos Pelegrín, La Liga is one such organisation helping to make a difference and changing the lives of those impacted by the virus.
“While the global pandemic has put a lot of global football plans and activities in various countries on hold, we take pride in the many La Liga clubs that have come together to offer a helping hand in curbing the spread of the virus in their communities,” said Pelegrín.
He added that, “In South Africa, Real Sociedad has also teamed up with a PSL side to organise a friendly FIFA 20 game in order to not only entertain fans but to raise funds in fighting the pandemic and importantly assist those affected by it.”
From raising funds to donating medical supplies, here are a few ways the various La Liga clubs have contributed in the fight against COVID:
Sharing stadiums:
Osasuna, Barcelona and Los Blancos have each offered the government the use of their stadiums and training facilities to be repurposed for testing and storage while making generous contributions towards the health department and UNICEF.
Safety equipment:
Most of the LaLiga teams have made massive contributions towards protecting healthcare workers and the public, which include:
- Getafe has made contributions towards health needs like waterproof gowns, surgical masks, shoe covers, gloves and hats.
- Girona has created a campaign to raise funds used for masks, gowns and other medical materials, donating €7,500 (R 138 638,28) of their own money in the process.
- Granada has become part of a partnership to create over 4,000 protective masks for companies to use across the city.
- The Levante Foundation and the club are working together to protect healthcare workers and older residents by creating 6,000 protective suits, 6,000 protective glasses, 50,000 masks and 100,000 3 PLY masks.
- Sevilla has donated a massive €1.2 million (R 23 756 148,00) to aid healthcare workers, food, income relief and volunteers.
- Valencia has donated 50,000 masks and 300 thermometers to local hospitals.
Paying tribute:
Many clubs have paid tribute to the workers who continually put their lives at risk to ensure the safety of the public. In addition, Atletico Madrid’s powerful campaign, #LoDamosTodo aims to raise funds for healthcare workers around the country.
“The health personnel are our team, and they need basic protective equipment. They are ours."Diego Simeone, coach of Atlético de Madrid.
Social media:
Social media has never mattered more during this pandemic. Many football players have taken to their social media pages to share their gratitude towards healthcare and other frontline workers. They have also taken substantial pay cuts to help support staff and employees.
Sevilla midfielder, Antonio Zarzana took to his Instagram with this final message:
"Do not go to bed without eating, don’t hesitate in writing to me. Whatever I have, I will give to those who need it; you only have to write to me by private message."