The unknown Vysshaya Liga has acquired in recent days a relevance and prominence never seen before. The reason? The football championship in Belarus continues its course despite the fight in Europe against the new coronavirus pandemic.

Russian public television Match TV has bought the broadcasting rights and former Belarusian football star Alexander Hleb hinted in statements to the German press an offer for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to come and play there. Hleb, at the peak of his career, wore the jerseys of Arsenal and FC Barcelona.

With 16 teams in competition, Vysshaya Liga is the premier football championship in Belarus. Matchday 2 began on Friday with two matches, continued with four on Saturday, and will end tomorrow, Sunday, with two more duels.

Minsk, Energetik-BGU, and Torpedo-BelAZ hold the top three positions, each with 3 points. (D)