Spanish Football Keeps Matches After Forward's Death, Overrules Union Call for Pause
The players' union requested a full suspension of play, but league officials will proceed with the schedule from November 6 to 9.
By Adrian Kovalenko ·
Spanish football will not pause for the death of Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel.
The Real Spanish Football Federation, LaLiga, and Liga F decided to hold the upcoming matchday. These matches take place between November 6 and November 9.
The three governing bodies agreed on a unified tribute plan. They chose the slogan 'Always in our memory' to guide the rituals.
The tribute will happen in every stadium. Starting players from both teams will enter the pitch wearing a special shirt. This shirt features the number 9 and the chosen slogan.
The players and referees will form a semicircle around the center spot. This marks the location of the incident from last Monday. The captains will enter last and place a floral offering there.
A one minute silence will follow. Stadium screens will display an image of the deceased player during this pause. Players and fans will then applaud.
The tribute continues during active play. At the first stoppage after the ninth minute, the referee will halt the game. This timing references the player's jersey number.
Screens will show a video tribute at that moment. Players will applaud from their positions before the match resumes.
The Spanish Footballers' Association, or AFE, asked for a different outcome. The union contacted league officials on Thursday to express its views.
AFE requested that all matches scheduled for this week be suspended. They included games in European competitions in this request.
The union cited Articles 3 and 158.1 of the competition regulations. These rules allow for suspensions during exceptional circumstances.
The players felt it was not the right time to compete. They told AFE that the team was in deep shock over the death of their teammate.
