Barcelona will not force their players to return to action

Barcelona are defending the rights of their players over the return to football during the coronavirus crisis. Despite pressure, the club will put their players's health first and take measures to ensure they will only play if the health authorities give them the go-ahead. One of the measures the club is looking at is not forcing any player to return to playing. The club will allow players not to play if they can't be 100 per cent assured of not getting coronavirus.

SPORT have learned that Barca's posture is something La Liga don't like but do understand the club's concerns. Barca aren't going against anyone, just trying to ensure the best for their players. Their decision is being followed by six other first division clubs who are waiting to see what happens. If they announce their stance the other clubs will do so too.

Barca aren't sure about the protocols they have been sent. Barca medics say there is still a high risk. They know their stance could result in a grave economic problem, which could see them lose out on television rights. The Catalans will look at this problem this week and take some decisions. The board are likely to make a call on it at some point in the coming days.