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The start of Liga 1 is scheduled for this weekend (with the programming of matchday 3), but the measures adopted by the Government -due to the social conflict in the country- will make the local championship play without an audience. In the midst of this scenario, Roberto Silva -head of the Professional Footballers Association of Peru (SAFAP)- expressed his concerns.
"Playing behind closed doors, I don't think it's the best. It greatly affects the economy of the clubs that have to play at home,” said Roberto Silva, current president of the Professional Footballers Association of Peru (SAFAP), in an interview with TV Peru.
On the other hand, Roberto Silva expressed his position on the decision of eight clubs (Alianza Lima, Universitario de Deportes, Sport Boys, Melgar, Cienciano, Cusco FC, Binacional, and Deportivo Municipal) not to present themselves to their respective matches. The reason? These institutions are against the management of the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) regarding TV rights.
"The eight clubs do not play against each other, this weekend. If they do not show up, only the César Vallejo vs. Alianza Atlético match would be played behind closed doors. The tournament collapses if that happens, in addition to the shame that would be experienced because of it,” added the SAFAP director about the complicated panorama that exists in Liga 1.
Details of the start of Liga 1
Last Wednesday, approval was given by the authorities for the start of the local championship, despite the social conflict in the country. This was confirmed by Alberto Otárola, head of the Cabinet, after the meeting he had with Agustín Lozano and Juan Reynoso, president of the FPF and coach of the Peruvian National Team, respectively. However, the indication is that the matches will have to be played behind closed doors.
It should be noted that matchday 3 will have some changes. In this case, Cusco FC and Sport Huancayo will kick off the matchday this Friday, February 3, at 3:30 p.m. at the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium. On Saturday, four important matches will take place: Atlético Grau vs. Melgar, Universitario vs. Cantolao, UTC vs. Cienciano, and Deportivo Garcilaso vs. Binacional.
However, the most attractive match of the matchday will be played by Sporting Cristal and Alianza Lima, who will face each other on Sunday, February 5, at 10:00 a.m. at the Alberto Gallardo Stadium. On Monday, the matches between Sport Boys vs. Unión Comercio and César Vallejo vs. Alianza Atlético will take place. Deportivo Municipal and Carlos A. Mannucci will be the teams that will conclude the matchday on Tuesday.
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