Hit hard by the cessation of competitions with considerable shortfalls in all championships, football clubs are still trying to make their contribution to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Several big names in European football have already taken action in recent hours and set an example to other clubs which may follow suit soon.
This is the case of Benfica Lisbon which, through its foundation and in collaboration with the national authorities, has undertaken to deliver 3000 meals to elderly people placed in solitary confinement. There are 448 positive coronavirus cases in the country and one person has died to date. Benfica Lisbon has also acquired three artificial respirators which will be made available to health services.
A parceria entre a Fundação Benfica ea Guarda Nacional Republicana permitirá atribuir um apoio social de emergência a cerca de 3000 idosos. # FundaçãoBenfica
- SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) March 17, 2020The Agnelli family pays 10 million euros
In Italy, Juventus Turin is directly affected by the pandemic. On Tuesday, the club announced that Blaise Matuidi had tested positive a few days after another squad player, Daniele Rugani. The Agnelli family, owner of the Italian club in particular, announced a payment of 10 million euros to Italian civil protection. The information was relayed by the Old Lady's Twitter account. 150 artificial ventilators and respirators as well as medical equipment were also purchased. Through a subsidiary of the group, a fleet of vehicles will be made available to help the nursing staff. Italy is the most affected country in Europe with 2,503 deaths.
La Famiglia Agnelli e le sue società per emergenza Covid-19: https://t.co/rBW1XVAd5jpic.twitter.com/oeHEmlrAdi
- JuventusFC (@juventusfc) March 17, 2020Chelsea makes its hotel available
In England and London, where containment has not yet been ordered, the Chelsea club anticipates the spread of the virus. The club hotel, the Millennium Hotel, at Stamford Bridge, has been requisitioned. The clients have been moved and the establishment will be able to accommodate medical staff. Roma Abramovich, the owner of the Blues, has announced that he will bear all the costs incurred by this welcome.
Chelsea Football Club is joining the medical response to the coronavirus outbreak in London with the news the National Health Service (NHS) has accepted the Club's offer to make the Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge available for NHS staff ... https: // t. co / eENBcxRXXX
- Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 18, 2020Read also
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