With the workouts limited by curfew schedule, without the possibility of playing matches (even friendly matches), or viewing when this may be possible, the eCatalan and grassroots territorial sport goes through critical moments. The pandemic halted competitions in mid-October, and some could not even begin. Initially, the Government, as a measure of restriction, did not even allow training, only in those professional teams or participating in Spanish or international tournaments, which can also play matches. For the past few weeks, with the start of a de-escalation that has stalled, it has allowed athletes to re-train, but there are still multiple obstacles and unknowns. This week, without going any further, with the new restrictions, he is forced to wear a mask to do any sport under the roof.
Faced with this situation, the presidents of the Catalan Basketball (FCBQ) and Football (FCF) Federations have joined forces to ask the Generalitat for urgent changes in the measures they apply to combat the virus. Among the most urgent requests would be the need to be able to play “immediately” friendly matches with teams from the same region, or to extend the schedule to be able to train until eleven o’clock at night, although the curfew begins an hour earlier. Playing sports, therefore, should be able to be a justifiable cause to return home later.
Between the two federations, which bring together 1,720 clubs and nearly 255,000 members, they have jointly proposed a series of emergency measures that both the president of the FCBQ, Ferran Aril, and the president of the FCF, Joan Soteras, moved to the vice-president of the Generalitat, Pere Aragonès. When the Government re-authorized training at the end of November, Catalan and grassroots sport breathed a sigh of relief. Now, however, the concern is back and in many clubs we must fight against demotivation. The dates for the return of the competitions have been skipping and now no one is clear that they can resume. At the very least, for this reason, they are asking for permission so that friendly matches can be played between teams from the same region immediately, as well as the non-stoppage of training or sports competitions in the face of a worsening epidemiological situation.
Both federations are also very concerned about the economic aspect. Last week, for example, the 22 Tercera clubs sent a letter to the Generalitat demanding that the public be able to return to the stadiums. Soteras and Aril are now calling for “urgent approval” of specific public aid lines for clubs and federations and for them to cover “at least 50% of the average cost of licenses”, as well as to advance aid for subsidies already convened so that they can be transferred during the next month ». “The practice of sport is safe,” recalled the representatives of Catalan football and basketball, assuring that the clubs have made a very important effort by investing in anti-life measures.
.
