Supporters could return to LaLiga games before the end of the season!

The Director of the Coordination Centre for Health Alerts and Emergencies of the Ministry of Health, Fernando Simon, said on Tuesday that he wouldn't rule out fans returning to football stadiums in Phase 3 of Spain's de-escalation from lockdown, but said it will depend on the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic in each autonomous region. 

Simon spoke about the chances in a video call with the President of the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD), Irene Lozano, the Health Minister, Salvador Illa, and with the footballers Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Asier Illarramendi (Real Sociedad) and Koke Resurrección (Atlético de Madrid).

"We've been discussing some concerns and some key aspects such as the presence or not of fans in the stands," he said. "There's no definitive response, obviously because they can't right now. But it's true that the Ministry has committed to evaluate the risks. And, in the case that we move into Phase 3, pending the situation with the epidemic, if we can, we will (allow fans in)." 

Some parts of Spain -- the smaller islands -- are already in Phase 3. Large parts of the country are in Phase 2, although Barcelona and Madrid are still in Phase 1. 

Simon pointed out that it's important for the competition, which will return on June 11 with Sevilla-Real Betis, to have supporters to boost home teams and creat atmosphere -- but that all teams must have that advantage. For that reason, he made it clear that it will have to be all or nothing. 

"It's something touched on with the CSD and the players," Simon added. "It's not come up with the Ministry because it's not something we have on our minds when evaluating risks. For that reason, the option is there, no decisions has been made, but it will depend on the evolution of the epidemic and when all autonomous regions are in Phase 3, it could be looked at." 

LaLiga had previously outlined plans for fans to return in September for the new season, albeit with ground operating at 30 percent capacity, moving to 50 percent in November and 100 percent in the New Year. Any decision this season will likely be similar. 

Second division Las Palmas had this week said they hoped to operate at 30 percent capacity for their game against Girona next weekend. The Canary Island is already in Phase 3, but they have been told the rules must be the same across the league and they are not allowed the advantage of home supporters when other teams aren't.