Segunda División

Further matches have been postponed while others appear unable to go ahead due to increased travel restrictions between affected countries.

Governing bodies are also taking steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by cancelling planned meetings, while others are calling for further changes to the calendar.

Here are some of the latest events to be impacted.

Football's governing body has decided to cancel the next FIFA Congress in Addis Ababa on June 5. It has also pushed back the coming FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, due to be on March 20, until June or July. Attendees may be required to join via a video link.

In France, the Coupe de la Ligue final on April 4 between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon has been postponed. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) said a new date would be announced in due course. It means the PSG-Metz and Lyon-Nimes Ligue 1 matches will be moved to the weekend of April 4-5 but be held behind closed doors. PSG will have Kylian Mbappe available against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, though: the striker is in the squad after overcoming illness, with L'Equipe among those to report he had tested negative for coronavirus.

Germany has seen the first confirmed instance of a footballer contracting coronavirus. Hannover defender Timo Hubers has tested positive but been praised by the club for his "absolutely exemplary" behaviour, as he immediately self-isolated before coming into contact with the rest of the squad.

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich will face Union Berlin on Saturday behind closed doors, and the latter's derby with Hertha Berlin on March 21 will take place under the same circumstances. Borussia Monchengladbach have urged fans not to gather outside the stadium ahead of Wednesday's match with Cologne.

FIFPro, the footballers' union, has urged governing bodies across the world "to respect the wishes of players to take short-term precautionary measures including suspending training or competitions". Steps are certainly being taken in Spain, where the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has recommended football at all levels beneath the top two professional leagues to be called off for two weeks. The RFEF will reportedly meet with league officials to discuss similar proposals for LaLiga and the Segunda Division.

Meanwhile, Roma's match with Sevilla in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday is off after the Italian club confirmed they had not been given permission by the government to fly to Andalusia. Getafe had already refused to travel for their game with Inter in Italy.

The big news in Englandwas that Manchester City versus Arsenal was called off as a precaution after the Gunners came into contact with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who announced on Tuesday that he had caught the disease. In general, though, the UKhas not been following the same stringent protocols as some other European nations and that is continuing for now. Arsenal's match with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday has not been called off, while England's planned friendlies at Wembley this month against Italy and Denmark are, at present, going ahead. Forest have also confirmed all players and staff have tested negative for coronavirus.

In Scotland, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard says the domestic season must be completed, even if behind closed doors, "because people have earned the opportunity to get to the stage where everyone is at". League chief executive Neil Doncaster claimed last week that completing the Premiership season could become "very difficult".

The England and Wales Cricket Board has told supporters "to maintain good levels of hygiene" during England's tour of Sri Lanka. As a precaution, players and staff have been told to avoid casual interaction with fans, such as selfies and autographs.

In Bangladesh, the World XI v Asia XI matches that would have marked the birthday celebrations of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman have been postponed, while the Indian Open has been called off following a consultation between the Indian Golf Union, the European Tour, the Asian Tour and tournament sponsors.

MotoGP has also announced that the ArgentinaGrand Prix has been moved to November. The opening race of the season in Qatar and the Grand Prix of the Americas have already been rescheduled.

The Segunda Division fixture at Vallecas was originally halted at half-time in December because Albacete player Roman Zozulya was abused by Rayo fans.

On Wednesday, the second half of the contest provided the first competitive football in Spain since the coronavirus-enforced suspension.

Albacete, who played with 10 men as Eddy Silvestre was sent off in the abandoned game, were undone by a moment of brilliance from Advincula just after the hour – or 16 minutes into this resumed match.

The full-back sent a brilliant left-footed strike across the goalkeeper into the top-left corner from just outside the penalty area to settle the contest.

In the stands, Albacete displayed banners in tribute to those in Spain who have lost their lives as a result of coronavirus, while black armbands were worn and flags flown at half-mast. The country has seen over 27,000 people die from COVID-19, while 289,360 in total have tested positive.

The six-month delay to complete the match occurred because Zozulya, a former Ukraine international, was targeted by Rayo fans.

Zozulya was loaned to Rayo from Real Betis in 2017 only for the move to be cut short when supporters protested against the transfer due to reported far-right links, which the player strenuously denied

Both sides asked referee Jose Antonio Lopez Toca to abandon the game due to widespread derogatory chanting aimed at Zozulya.

The game was pencilled in to be completed in February only to be pushed back again before the coronavirus pandemic further delayed proceedings.

LaLiga is scheduled to return on Thursday with the Seville derby between Sevilla and Betis.

LaLiga and Segunda games are off for at least the next two matchdays in efforts to combat the spread of the virus, that decision coming after Real Madrid established a self-imposed quarantine following a positive coronavirus test by one of their basketball players.

Barcelona wrote on their Twitter page on Friday: "Given the healthcare situation and according to the recommendations of the club's medical staff, the first team has suspended all activity until further notice.

"The decision was made after a meeting held this morning by the team with Josep Maria Bartomeu, Dr. Jaume Padros, the president of the Barcelona Medical Association and the head of occupational healthcare at the club, and Dr. Antoni Trilla, the Head of Epidemiology at Hospital Clinic.

"In the coming days, the players will follow a personalised and specific physical workout plan from their homes, supervised by the team's trainers."

The RFEF released a note to all its clubs, advising them to prepare individual training plans for their players.

"We understand that, at this time, the priority is the protection of players, coaches, referees and all club and federation personnel who are involved in competitions," it read.

"For this reason, we strongly recommend that all clubs also suspend all group training for all their teams as long as there are no official competitions.

"We recommend that each club develop an individualised training plan for its players."

There have been 4,209 confirmed cases of the virus in Spain, with 120 deaths.

La Liga and Segunda Division players have been undergoing tests ahead of a potential resumption to the 2019-20 season, which was halted in March due to the health pandemic.

It was announced by LaLiga on Sunday that five players from unspecified clubs have tested positive for the virus and are in isolation.

A La Liga statement said: "Specifically, between the LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank clubs, five positive cases have been detected in players, all of them asymptomatic and in the final phase of the disease, whose specific identity LaLiga does not know in compliance with the organic law on data protection. 

The players in question will be tested again in the next few days and can only return to training after two negative results.

Barcelona were among the clubs to resume individual training this week in Spain, with talk that the campaign could restart in June.

Atletico Madrid returned to training on Saturday amid media reports Renan Lodi has tested positive for the virus.

The Brazilian left-back is asymptomatic, Marca reported, but there was no official word on his health from Atletico. However, the club did tweet: "Renan Lodi salutes you from home. See you soon on the pitch!".

Real Madrid, meanwhile, will welcome their players back to work at the club's facilities on Monday.

La Liga and Segunda Division players have been undergoing tests ahead of a potential resumption to the 2019-20 season, which was halted in March due to the health pandemic.

It was announced by LaLiga on Sunday that five players from unspecified clubs have tested positive for the virus and are in isolation.

A La Liga statement said: "Specifically, between the LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank clubs, five positive cases have been detected in players, all of them asymptomatic and in the final phase of the disease, whose specific identity LaLiga does not know in compliance with the organic law on data protection. 

The players in question will be tested again in the next few days and can only return to training after two negative results.

Barcelona were among the clubs to resume individual training this week in Spain, with talk that the campaign could restart in June.

Atletico Madrid returned to training on Saturday amid media reports Renan Lodi has tested positive for the virus.

The Brazilian left-back is asymptomatic, Marca reported, but there was no official word on his health from Atletico. However, the club did tweet: "Renan Lodi salutes you from home. See you soon on the pitch!".

Real Madrid, meanwhile, will welcome their players back to work at the club's facilities on Monday.

We take a look at how COVID-19 has affected the top five leagues, as well as associated players and teams.

Italy

Serie A, Serie B, Coppa Italia – POSTPONED

Following a government decree issued on Monday, all public gathering are prohibited until April 3, with the whole country put on lockdown.

This directly impacts domestic football, which has been postponed. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is exploring alternatives if the Serie A season – which is constrained by international deadlines relating to Euro 2020 – cannot run its course.

The three suggestions the FIGC has put forward are: to end the season early and crown the leader at that point as champions; halt the 2019-20 campaign without any team winning the title; or have play-offs for the Scudetto and relegation spots.

Germany

Bundesliga, 2.Bundesliga – ACTIVE

The situation in Germany is being dealt with on a case-by-case basis in local regions and is yet to cause widespread disruption to the two highest divisions, however COVID-19 is spreading rapidly.

Bavaria's government has prohibited events with more than 1,000 people until April 19, in a move that will impact Bayern Munich and Augsburg from the Bundesliga.

Die Roten's Champions League meeting with Chelsea next Wednesday will take place in an empty Allianz Arena, though their away match against Union Berlin this weekend is set to go ahead as normal.

Next Wednesday's Rhine derby between Borussia Monchengladbach and Cologne has already been confirmed as the first Bundesliga game to be played with no fans.

Germany's Euro 2020 warm-up friendly against Italy on March 31 will also be behind closed doors.

France

Ligue 1, Ligue 2 – BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

After a previous government decision had announced matches could only be played in front of a maximum of 1,000 fans, authorities have since demanded all games go ahead with no spectators until April 15.

Paris Saint-Germain have already had their meeting with Strasbourg – initially set for last weekend – postponed due to coronavirus, while their upcoming Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund will be played without fans.

LaLiga

LaLiga, La Segunda – BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

It was confirmed on Tuesday that all sporting events in Spain will be played behind closed doors over the next two weeks.

However, following the request of Segunda side Real Zaragoza to postpone all matches instead, the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) added weight to such a call, insisting Spain should be following the lead of countries like Italy and Switzerland.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is set to make a decision on Friday regarding the friendly with Germany at the Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid on March 26.

England

Premier League, the Football League – ACTIVE

As of March 10, English football is yet to be directly impacted by COVID-19.

However, Championship side Nottingham Forest confirmed on Tuesday their owner Evangelos Marinakis had tested positive for the virus.

It is unclear how that will impact on Forest and the division as a whole.

La Liga and Segunda Division players have been undergoing tests ahead of a potential resumption to the 2019-20 season, which was halted in March due to the health pandemic.

It was announced by LaLiga on Sunday that five players from unspecified clubs have tested positive for the virus and are in isolation.

A La Liga statement said: "Specifically, between the LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank clubs, five positive cases have been detected in players, all of them asymptomatic and in the final phase of the disease, whose specific identity LaLiga does not know in compliance with the organic law on data protection. 

The players in question will be tested again in the next few days and can only return to training after two negative results.

Barcelona were among the clubs to resume individual training this week in Spain, with talk that the campaign could restart in June.

Atletico Madrid returned to training on Saturday amid media reports Renan Lodi has tested positive for the virus.

The Brazilian left-back is asymptomatic, Marca reported, but there was no official word on his health from Atletico. However, the club did tweet: "Renan Lodi salutes you from home. See you soon on the pitch!".

Real Madrid, meanwhile, will welcome their players back to work at the club's facilities on Monday.

Spanish authorities took the decision following a meeting early on Tuesday before advising league officials.

In a statement, LaLiga said it "will stay in constant contact with the Ministry of Health and CSD (High Council of Sport) to learn their recommendations and/or decisions" going forward.

It is expected the measures will come into effect as soon as Tuesday's LaLiga match between Eibar and Real Sociedad at Ipurua.

Osasuna had earlier suspended ticket sales for the game against Sociedad on Sunday, with a message on their website telling fans to await further updates.

The news comes after Barcelona announced that their Champions League last-16, second leg against Napoli will be held behind closed doors next week.

However, as of early on Tuesday, there were no plans to hold Liverpool's match with Atletico Madrid at Anfield this Wednesday without fans present.

Some of the LaLiga matches to be affected are the derby between Sevilla and Real Betis, Atletico Madrid's trip to Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid's home match with Valencia and Barcelona games against Real Mallorca and Leganes.

Confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Spain had jumped to 1,024 on Monday, close to double the number recorded on Sunday. Twenty-eight people have died.

In Madrid - where there are 782 confirmed cases - and in the Basque country, all schools and universities have been closed in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Miguel Angel Ramirez believes the minimal infection rate for COVID-19 in the Canary Islands could make it safe for fans to watch the game at Estadio Gran Canaria.

The islands of La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa have received official clearance to move to Phase Three of Spain's lockdown de-escalation measures, and it is reported the larger islands that make up the chain – including Gran Canaria – could move out of Phase Two next week.

Ramirez believes such easing in social distancing measures will make it possible for fans to attend Las Palmas' first match of the resumed 2019-20 Segunda Division season.

"The Las Palmas fans will be able to attend the stadium to cheer on their team from June 13 against Girona," he told the club's official radio station.

"The Canary Islands is a safe destination. Gran Canaria is a safe destination. We can become the only stadium in the major leagues to play again with fans in the stands."

Spain was one of the worst-hit countries in Europe by the pandemic, but strict lockdown measures and a staggered release of those restrictions across autonomous regions has helped to keep infection and death rates under control in recent weeks.

LaLiga is due to resume with the derby match between Sevilla and Real Betis on June 13, although all games in the top flight are expected to be behind closed doors for the foreseeable future.

LaLiga and Segunda games have been postponed for at least the next two matchdays in efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, which continues to disrupt sport across the globe.

Simeone, who oversaw Atletico's Champions League last-16 victory over Liverpool on Wednesday, used social media to spread awareness about coronavirus.

"I wanted to send you a message of awareness," Simeone said in a video message posted to Twitter.

"From my home, I invite you all to follow the path set by the experts, taking care of ourselves and all of those around us. Let's stay home."

There have been more than 5,000 cases of coronavirus in Spain, with over 100 deaths.

Globally, over 5,400 people have died from the virus following more than 145,000 cases.

Prior to LaLiga being suspended, Atletico were sixth and a point behind fourth-placed Real Sociedad, with Barcelona two points clear atop the table.

The Spanish second-tier club released a statement on Tuesday confirming the proposed cutbacks under an employment regulation file, known as an ERE, which will also affect the playing staff.

Football in the country has been on lockdown since March and no specific date has been set for its return.

With revenue drying up and wages still to pay, Malaga – who reached the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2012-13 season – are reported to be looking to offload up to 50 employees in a bid to safeguard the club's future.

"The club announces that it has taken the decision to present an employment regulation file for the termination and/or suspension of employment contracts," the statement read.

"Over the past few months, the entity has been undertaking various measures to ease the difficult economic situation it is experiencing. The restructuring of the club joins this package of necessary measures to ensure the permanence of Malaga Club de Futbol.

"The entity thanks fans and season ticket holders for their support during these difficult times and asks for their understanding in light of this complex process that starts today and that the entity will endure in the coming months, with the sole purpose of committing to the future of our shield."

Malaga, 14th in the Segunda Division, narrowly missed out on an immediate promotion back to LaLiga last season, beaten in the play-offs by Deportivo La Coruna.

The club has endured financial difficulties in recent seasons and, in February, president Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani was removed from office for a six-month period, with a judicial administrator placed in charge.

The High Council of Sports (CSD) implemented fresh measures during a meeting on Tuesday, with a LaLiga statement shortly afterwards declaring that at least the next two matchdays – starting from March 10 – will be played without spectators.

The developments came after LaLiga title-holders Barcelona announced their Champions League last-16 second leg against Napoli of Italy – the most-affected European nation – next week will be played with no fans present at Camp Nou.

But, following a request from Segunda Division side Real Zaragoza for matches to simply be postponed, Spain's players' union has written to LaLiga, CSD and the Royal Spanish Football Federation, urging competitions be halted immediately.

An AFE statement read: "The Association of Spanish Footballers has sent different letters to the High Council of Sports (CSD), Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and LaLiga in which it requests the following to these institutions in relation to the spread of COVID-19:

"Given the measures that are being taken by the government, and the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), in relation not only to the fact of sporting events with the public, but especially to the condition of workers … we request that the measures carried out be presided over by the guarantee of minimum risk of the players of all categories.

"For this reason, we have requested the suspension of ALL matches, ALL divisions and ALL categories of both sexes.

"Given the situation, we have made this request thinking exclusively about the health of the players, the groups we represent. This fact is not taken into account, beyond which we understand it is necessary to avoid large gatherings due to the increased risk that this entails, a risk that is not only avoided with the absence of public in the matches.

"In addition, playing on pitches closed to the public for several weeks undermines the meaning of sports competitions.

"On the other hand, we want to insist on the importance of having football players informed with a fluid dialogue."

Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Spain surpassed 1,000 on Monday and 28 people have died as a result of the infection.

In Madrid - where there are 782 confirmed cases - and in the Basque country, all schools and universities have been closed in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Argentina great Maradona died on Wednesday in his homeland, having reportedly suffered a heart attack.

All games in Spain's LaLiga and the Segunda Division in the coming matchday will be preceded by a minute's silence, competition organisers said in a statement.

LaLiga said the pre-match tributes will convey condolences "to his family, friends and all the fans around the world who remember him".

Maradona spent two seasons with Barcelona, who face Osasuna at home on Saturday, before returning to LaLiga with Sevilla in 1992.

At Barca's Camp Nou stadium, flags were flown at half-mast on Thursday, the day on which the 1986 World Cup-winning star was being laid to rest in Argentina.

In France, the pre-game protocols for Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 will undergo "exceptional" changes for this weekend as a mark of respect for Maradona.

The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) said: "At this moment of great sadness for football, the LFP, the clubs and the UNFP (the French footballers' union) wanted to place this 12th matchday under the star of Diego Maradona."

Sanchez now calls Australia's Western United home following Espanyol's relegation from LaLiga in 2019-20, having spent 14 years in Spain and a brief stint with Neuchatel Xamax.

The versatile 33-year-old had not envisaged packing up and relocating his family 16,816km away to Melbourne, but the coronavirus pandemic changed his plans as Western United came calling.

"It is a league that wasn't in my plans and I hadn't thought about it because it is a very far country as well," Sanchez, who ranks fourth for most Espanyol appearances behind Raul Tamudo, Mauricio Pochettino and Javi Lopez, told Stats Perform News.

"But when I had the chance, looking a little to everything and this league's level, because it is very well organised league, serious league and serious country also regarding coronavirus, I thought it was a great opportunity for me and the family as well."

Sanchez is among the growing number of Spaniards moving to Australia after former Espanyol team-mate Lopez also joined Adelaide United.

Former Athletic Bilbao pair Markel Susaeta and Benat have reunited at Macarthur FC for their inaugural season, while ex-Getafe attacker Diego Castro continues to star with Perth Glory.

"I didn't know much about the A-League," Sanchez said. "When I had the chance to come here I started looking at it and I also spoke with people that had played here: with Juande that was in Perth, with Markel Susaeta that was in Melbourne City last year, [former Western Sydney Wanderers striker] Oriol Riera and [former Melbourne Victory midfielder] Raul Baena.

"Footballers that have played here and everyone was telling me the same thing, that it is a spectacular experience, a great, great experience and life level, family level, and then because it is a league that, even though doesn't have the level of the Spanish league, is still a league physically strong and above all very well organised. Very serious league and I believe that at my age, with my career, I don't want surprises and I wanted to come to a league where things were properly done."

Sanchez brings a wealth of experience to Mark Rudan's Western United, who reached the A-League semi-finals in their first season in the competition.

The Catalonia-born midfielder – also adaptable in all defensive positions – emerged from Barcelona's youth system in 2005 and eventually made his debut for the first team in 2008.

Under the leadership of Pep Guardiola, Sanchez was part of the star-studded Barca squad that won the Champions League, LaLiga and Copa del Rey in 2008-09 – playing alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Yaya Toure, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique and Samuel Eto'o.

"My relationship with him was very good," Sanchez said as he discussed working with Guardiola at Camp Nou. "I was with him in the second team, Barca B, and were promoted from the third division to the Second B Division, from the fourth league to the third league in Spain and it was truly a beautiful year, the first one of him as a coach.

"He then moved to the first team and he promoted Sergio Busquets and me to the first team as well, even though we still belonged to the youth team, but to be within the first team dynamic. That year was truly incredible, the season 2008-09 when we won Liga, Copa and Champions League, a fantasy year. Afterwards I have kept relation with him when I have played against him and we have talked quite a lot.

"Now I haven't talked to him for a long time, but he is very innovative in everything he does. He is a genius, there isn't many like him. I was lucky enough to share a locker room with Guardiola."

Sanchez made seven LaLiga appearances in 2008-09, and 12 across all competitions, before being loaned out to Xerex and Getafe in 2009-10 and 2010-11. A six-month stint in Switzerland followed, but after 16 games the Barcelona native returned home.

However, this time, Sanchez – among a select few to play for both clubs – crossed the divide to link up with neighbours Espanyol in 2012.

"It's different to play for Barcelona than to play for Espanyol. The rivalry of the derbies. I think it is lived differently from Barcelona than from Espanyol," Sanchez said. "From the Barcelona perspective, rivalry exists, but nothing compares from the Espanyol perspective towards Barca.

"At Espanyol, for you it's like a final or a title to be able to win against Barcelona. Nowadays the economic differences are huge, so it is very difficult to win a match against Barcelona playing for Espanyol. I was there like nine years and was lucky to win one derby, in the Copa del Rey, in the first leg. When that happens it's when you realise how difficult it is. You also notice how they want to win too even though they see the rivalry differently."

Sanchez joined forces with Pochettino as the Argentine coach made a name for himself at Espanyol before moving on to Southampton and Tottenham.

"He is a great coach," Sanchez, who backed the former Spurs boss to make the move to Real Madrid, added. "I was with him a short time. I arrived at Espanyol when he was there and it can be said that he bought me for the club. You could already see that he had what it takes to be a great coach with his ideas, how he worked with the team, he was very demanding.

"I think it was clear he would reach the top. I had a very good relationship with him. I was like six or eight months with him and it was a great coach in my career."

While Pochettino eventually departed for Premier League side Southampton less than a year later, Sanchez continued to help fly the flag for Espanyol.

Sanchez went to battle in the Derbi Barceloni – a derby dominated by Barca – renewing acquaintances with ex-Blaugrana team-mates Messi and Pique in heated showdowns – the rivalry coming to a head in a fiercely contested 1-1 draw at RCDE Stadium in February 2018.

Espanyol's Sanchez went head-to-head with six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi in wet conditions, and he added: "Messi is a very special player, different than the rest. I think he particularly likes to play against Espanyol.

"It is true that we played a very hot derby that ended up in a tie with Pique's goal around minute 80. It was raining, a hard match, beautiful, sentimental. Messi is the best player of the world, above the rest. To win against him, to steal the ball off him or make things difficult for him is a personal triumph. Because as I said, he is very above from the rest."

Fast forward to December 2020 and Sanchez is determined to taste success with Western United after experiencing Espanyol's painful relegation to the second tier of Spanish football for the first time since 1993.

"I want to win, be on the top and make the team to be as high as possible. The A-League is economically very equal between teams, a bit similar to MLS where budget is close," said Sanchez, who had a passing accuracy of 80.5 per cent in 25 LaLiga appearances last season.

"If you make a good team, a good year and if you have confidence, you can fight for anything. Hopefully we will be lucky enough to come back to the play-offs and this time be able to be in semi-finals or the final and can be champions."

Sanchez, who registered 116 recoveries and 27 interceptions, while he won possession on 116 occasions in 2019-20, added: "I have signed for two years but my plan is to stay more and hopefully that will be possible. After my experience in Spain having played quite a lot of matches, a long career, I was looking for a change. It will be also positive for us to learn the language. My English is basic at the moment.

"After 13 or 14 years playing in LaLiga it was a bit exhausting."

Cristobal found himself at the centre of one of the most peculiar incidents of the season on Sunday, as Fuenla hosted Girona at Estadio Fernando Torres in Spain's Segunda.

With Fuenla chasing a 1-0 deficit, they looked to have received a significant blow when Cristobal was sent off after a collision with Girona captain Alex Granell – the former seeming to go in with a high foot.

But following a VAR review, Cristobal's red card was downgraded to a yellow card and he had to be fetched from the hosts' dressing room.

Fuenla's joy was short-lived, however, as the nonsense was just getting started.

While making his way back on to the pitch, Cristobal pointed at Granell, made a talking gesture with his hand and then became embroiled in an altercation with him – the pair going head-to-head.

Referee Isidro Diaz de Mera showed them both a yellow card, and subsequently Cristobal's second red of the day.

Fuenla coach Miguel Chamorro then followed Cristobal back to the locker room after he too was shown a red card for his protestations.

There was to be no VAR reprieve this time, and Fuenlabrada succumbed to a 1-0 defeat - Cristhian Stuani with the decisive goal.

Cristobal can at least console himself with the fact he was party to one of the most bizarre red card incidents one is ever likely to see.

The Spanish second-tier club were forced to lay off a number of staff in May after being badly hit by the disruption of the football season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

At the time, Malaga said the "restructuring of the club" was essential to safeguard their future.

On Monday, the club issued a statement to confirm that their latest cost-cutting measures "will directly affect the squad of the men's first team".

"This new restructuring combines with the economic plan that seeks to bring the club out of the complicated financial situation in which it continues to be immersed, despite recent efforts," Malaga said.

"Malaga Club de Futbol is obliged to take this step for the good of the club and hopes Malaguista fans and members understand and support this new effort, the sole objective of which is to create an acceptable and competitive structure with which to give back Malaga Club de Futbol its lost hope."

The statement was unclear on how many players are likely to be released.

Malaga, who were Champions League quarter-finalists seven years ago, finished 14th in the Segunda Division last season.

The club has endured financial problems in recent years and, in February, president Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani was removed from office for a six-month period, with a judicial administrator placed in charge.

Victor claimed he had been blackmailed over the clip before it was published.

In a statement posted to his official Twitter account, the 43-year-old said: "I am being subjected to a crime against my privacy with harassment and extortion.

"The matter is in the hands of the police and I entrust myself to follow their instructions.

"Sharing or disseminating an intimate content of any person without consent is also a crime either through social networks or messages or in any other way. Thank you for your understanding and support."

The club consequently decided to suspend Victor until an investigation has been carried out.

A statement from Malaga read: "In relation to the events that have recently been discovered, and which have not as yet been verified, Malaga CF immediately suspends coach Victor Sanchez del Amo from his duties until a full investigation is carried out.

"We will disclose further information once the facts have been clarified."

Malaga are 16th in Spain's Segunda Division, just a point above the relegation zone.

Girona took a 2-1 advantage back to Montilivi on Sunday but it was swiftly all square when Alvaro Garcia dispatched Emiliano Velazquez's througball in the seventh minute.

Andoni Iraola's men led the tie in first-half stoppage time when captain Oscar Trejo snaffled a close-range chance.

Rayo's hopes suffered a blow in the 56th minute when Velazquez was given a second yellow card for a foul on Ramon Terrats but the Madrid club held out to end a two-season absence from the top flight.

The two-time Ballon d'Or winner, who top-scored in Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph, has been experiencing mild symptoms of the coronavirus.

Ronaldo had been due to attend events marking Cruzeiro's 101st anniversary, but the 45-year-old former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter striker was instead isolating.

His positive case was announced by the Brazilian club, who were acquired by Ronaldo, with the support of an investment bank, in December.

"Cruzeiro reports that this Sunday morning Ronaldo Nazario tested positive for COVID-19," the Campeonato Serie B club said.

"This makes it impossible for him to travel to Belo Horizonte today, as well as his presence in the commemorative actions for the club's anniversary.

"Ronaldo is doing well, with mild symptoms and, on medical advice, is now in rest and social isolation."

Ronaldo has been majority owner of Spanish club Real Valladolid since 2018 and serves as the Segunda Division team's president. He had been due to meet with representatives of Cruzeiro supporters on Sunday and was scheduled to appear at a news conference on Monday before taking ill.

He began his playing career at Cruzeiro as a teenage sensation before heading to Europe to join Dutch giants PSV after the 1994 World Cup.

Ronaldo wrote on Twitter: "Cruzeiro nation, this is not the way I wanted to spend this January 2 which is more than special for us.

"I had the greatest anticipation and everything was organised for this moment. But there are situations in life that are beyond our control and, unfortunately, last night I found myself in one of them. I started to feel bad, had a PCR and woke up today with a positive result for COVID-19.

"The most important thing is that I am vaccinated, I will follow the isolation protocols and, at the end of it, I hope to be 100 per cent recovered to resume my schedule.

"Our meeting was not cancelled, it was postponed due to circumstances. And I make a point of celebrating with you the anniversary of our club! It's just the beginning of our fight together! I count on you, count on me."

The original fixture at Vallecas, which took place in December, was brought to a halt after the opening 45 minutes when Albacete player Roman Zozulya was abused by Rayo fans.

Zozulya, a former Ukraine international, joined Rayo on loan from Real Betis in 2017 but the move was cut short when supporters protested against the transfer due to reported far-right links, which the player has strenuously denied.

Following widespread derogatory chanting aimed at Zozulya, both sides asked referee Jose Antonio Lopez Toca to abandon the game.

It was determined that the second period would be played at a later date but, after being pencilled in for February, it was again pushed back, with the coronavirus-enforced shutdown then ensuring a much lengthier delay. 

However, the remaining 45 minutes will now be played next Wednesday, with the scores goalless, signalling the resumption of professional football in Spain amid the COVID-19 crisis.