At AS we often say that soccer and other sports are the most important of unimportant things. However, today we feel important without nuances. The coronavirus wanted that less than 24 hours after the wonder experienced in Anfield the fan received an unprecedented, almost surreal blow: the suspension of LaLiga and the Champions League , and the safe postponement of the European Championship . Soccer joins many other global disciplines - basketball, cycling, tennis, motorcycling ... - forced to brutally stop victims of the pandemic. We are, therefore, witnessing a colossal disaster for an industry, that of sport, which moves billions and which cannot be understood without being rooted in the culture, feelings and DNA of the peoples. That is, an activity of incomparable influence on the behavior of people.
Close, suspend or postpone are ugly words, loaded with bad vibes. But, despite the tremendous damage they bring, there is no other decision. First, because athletes, despite their aura of divinity, are people. Also, because its magnetism and convening power are now a risk factor. Finally, because keeping the competitions, even behind closed doors, would have sent the wrong message to the population, the feeling that the virus is not so dangerous, that it is a normal flu and its consequences are bearable.
On the contrary, suspending the competition sends the right message: it is not a normal flu, the fight against infection must be solidary and the sooner similar measures are taken where COVID-19 advances , the better. Leaders cannot underestimate the need to alert, and even alarm, the population. Anything that contributes to the spread of the virus must be stopped. Everything that prevents people from dying must be applied. And few things reach people's hearts and brains more than sports.
In a world where 90% of what circulates on the networks is a virus called a hoax, the suspension of so much competition is an unequivocal message. As clear and resounding as that launched by Chancellor Angela Merkel when she stated that 70% of Germans are threatened with contagion or as the gesture of her compatriot Jürgen Klopp when refusing to shake hands with Liverpool fans. Few things did more to raise awareness about HIV than Magic Johnson.
Due to these characteristics, the globalized and interconnected world faces a nightmare. Sport, a transversal phenomenon like few others, cannot be left out. You must assume your role in building a preventive and realistic narrative. There is no longer any debate on this issue. Once the stupefaction produced by seeing the 60 million Italians confined to their homes or the flights between Europe and the United States suspended, all other considerations can be sacrificed on the altar of public health and social stability.
LaLiga estimates the impact that the suspension of the First and Second Division competitions would have if it continues until the end of the season. Football clubs would stop entering 549 million for television rights, 88 for subscriptions and 41.4 for box offices. In other sports the damage will also be tremendous. Although that money is only a small part of what moves in our country, it is, without a doubt, a lot of lost wealth, but it is nothing if we put it in front of the problem we face, that one that no leader dares to tell us.
Those of us who do AS face the situation with the same responsibility as the rest of the citizenry. The crisis has forced us to learn to work from home and to improve our procedures. Sustaining a digital platform and a newspaper with editions in Spain , Latin America , the USA and the Arab world without sports competitions is a challenge. Our printed and digital editions will dedicate special coverage to the pandemic as if it were a general medium, among other changes. Our commitment is to do it with professionalism and honesty. It is hard to imagine that for a time we will not hear the screaming of goals in the newsroom. Hopefully when they return they will be much more thunderous.
