MONTEVIDEO, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Uruguay's top football division will resume on August 8 with a clash between traditional rivals Penarol and Nacional, authorities said on Wednesday.
The restart will come almost five months after the season was halted as COVID-19 became a global pandemic. In June, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) set August 15 as a tentative return date.
"For us it is a day of satisfaction because we are communicating to people that we are going to play again ... and we'll return ahead of schedule," AUF president Ignacio Alonso told a news conference.
The announcement followed a meeting between AUF representatives and government officials in which health and safety protocols were approved.
"Matches will be played behind closed doors for the remainder of the season, which is due to end early in 2021," Alonso said.
Uruguay's first division was halted on March 13, two days after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic.
Rentistas lead the Liga Uruguaya Apertura standings with three wins from as many matches, four points ahead of second-placed Progreso. Enditem
