Coronavirus: Footballers Return to Action Across the Globe
The world is watching closely as South Korea launched the K League two months late.
The 2020 K-League season started on Friday with a match between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Suwon Samsung Bluewings played without spectators after a delay of more than two months caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Image Credit: Reuters
The Jeonju World Cup Stadium, home turf of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, was not filled with fans but giant yellow and white cards saying “#CU SOON STAY STRONG” were placed on empty seats, while coaches and substitutes wore face masks. Image Credit: Reuters
The K League is Asia’s oldest professional league, dating back to 1983, and teams will play 27 matches this season, down from 38 due to the delay caused by the coronavirus. Image Credit: Reuters
Over in Spain, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi reported for testing and training duty with the defending La Liga champions. Players wore face masks and gloves at Barcelona’s disinfected training facility to undergo medical checks, including COVID-19 tests. They will only be allowed back for individual training sessions once the tests come back negative. Then daily tests will be required. Image Credit: AFP