Barcelona confirmed that their world famous La Masia football academy will be shut down for the next two weeks to prevent from the spread of the coronavirus.
This comes after the Spanish football federation decided to postpone all league matches except the top two divisions; La Liga and Segunda division.
Thus the Catalan club has decided to let the La Masia players to return home to their families.
“With the aim of protecting members, supporters’ club members, fans, sportspersons, visitors and employees, FC Barcelona has adopted the preventative measures recommended by the relevant health authorities,” said the club in a statement.
“As a consequence, for the next two weeks at least all games at professional, amateur and youth level will be played behind closed doors. Club will refund all ticket holders for all those events affected by this measure and those who have paid for travel to Mallorca at the weekend with Barça Desplaçaments.”
Barcelona has also decided to cancel the Barça Academy World Cup Tournament which was to be played during Easter Week, Barça Academy activities in China, Japan, Jordan, Dubai and Kuwait and also some events related to Barça Academy Clinics, following the advice of the local health authorities.
Away trips planned for the youth teams for tournaments and friendlies during the months of March and April have also been cancelled.
Barcelona also said that they will continue working as usual although employees are asked to follow the preventative hygiene measures as well as limiting work travel.
“Club will follow developments in this health emergency to be aware of other possible effects both internal and external and also regrets the inconveniences caused by these measures and thank in advance the understanding and cooperation of everybody as we face these exceptional circumstances.”