La Liga to resume from June 8 after government clearance

Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez gives the approval

James Rodriguez of Real Madrid during the team's training session at the Valdebebas training ground in Madrid on May 21. Getty

Gareth Bale and Casemiro of Real Madrid kick the ball during the team's training session in Madrid. Getty

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid during training at the Valdebebas training ground. Getty

Marco Asensio and Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid at Valdebebas training ground. Getty

Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid during training. Getty

Marcelo at the Valdebebas training ground on Saturday. Getty

Luka Modric and Casemiro at the Valdebebas training ground. Getty

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid during the team's training session on Saturday. Getty

Eden Hazard at the Valdebebas training ground on Thursday. Getty

Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Saturday that La Liga will resume from June 8 after three months of shutdown.

The La Liga was suspended in mid March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Spain was one of the worst hit by the outbreak, but the situation has improved.

"Spain has done what it needed to do and now new horizons can open for everyone. The time has come to recover many of our daily activities. From June 8 La Liga will be able to return," Sanchez said.

"Spanish football has a huge following but it will not be the only recreation activity that will return."

Spain has been badly hit by the outbreak, with more than 28,000 deaths and over 234,000 cases of infection. But the daily toll has been declining, with 56 deaths registered on Friday.

Teams have started training under strict guidelines and are in the second-to-last phase before the league can resume behind closed doors. Full squad training is expected to begin after next week.

Real Madrid were two points behind leaders Barcelona when the league was halted with 11 matches remaining.

"We are very happy with the decision, but it is the result of the great work of clubs, players, coaches... CSD (National Sports Council) and agents involved," president Javier Tebas said on Twitter.

"But it is very important to follow the health rules and that the evolution of the pandemic respects us. We cannot let our guard down."

Germany's Bundesliga became the first major European league to resume on May 16, with matches played without fans.

Players in the English Premier League have returned to small group training with their clubs ahead of a possible resumption in June, although nothing has so far been agreed.

The Italian government will decide on May 28 if and when the Serie A season can resume. The French season was called off by the government, and Paris Saint-Germain were crowned champions.