Coronavirus Outbreak: LaLiga will use video analysis if player tests positive for COVID-19, says league’s draft protocol

LaLiga will use a video analysis programme to help it determine if a player is likely to have infected a teammate or opponent if they test positive for the coronavirus once the season re-starts, according to a draft protocol drawn up by the league.

File image of LaLiga president Javier Tebas. Reuters

The protocol, seen by Reuters, was sent out to clubs in Spain’s top two divisions on Monday and is an updated version of the document clubs received earlier this month.

Teams in Spain’s top two divisions began training in groups of up to 10 players from Monday, while LaLiga president Javier Tebas has said he hopes the season can resume from 12 June.

Tebas has said the league’s safety measures meant the chance of a player being infected during a game was “practically zero”.

If a player tests positive after a match, they will be isolated while the facility they are staying in will be cleaned and disinfected, the protocol said.

Anyone in the player’s personal circle who has recently been in contact with them will be examined, while analysts will use the league’s programme Mediacoach to see which other players the footballer came into contact with.

The protocol added that any player who was in close contact with the infected player for more than five minutes will be tested, as studies suggest the risk of infection increases when someone is in contact with someone for over 15 minutes.

The protocol also states that:

- Players and officials will be tested 24 hours before each match and have their temperature taken when arriving at the stadium.

- Balls will be distributed around the perimeter of the pitch and will be constantly disinfected.

- Players will be ordered to disinfect their hands before and after the warm-up.

- All players and coaching staff must wear masks and gloves upon arrival at the stadium.

- There will be no pre-match handshakes.

- Managers will hold post-match news conferences via video link.

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