Teams to be penalised for not filling grounds during games
Any clubs who fail to fill at least 75% of their stadium for televised games will face financial penalties, as part of new La Liga regulations (quoted in MARCA).
While last season saw record attendances for La Liga and the Segunda Division, the likes of Valencia and Getafe failed to hit averages of over 75%, with the latter averaging crowds of just over 7,000, despite having a stadium capacity of 17,000.
The rule change comes as part of a new €2.65bn TV deal with Movistar and Mediapro, who will broadcast La Liga games in Spain from this season onwards.
It is now a requirement that clubs fill at least three quarters of the main stand (or whichever stand is opposite the main television camera).
The regulations now state if attendances are lower than 50% for the televised games, the financial penalty will be doubled. According to the rules, exceptions will only be made if adverse weather conditions play a part, although games are likely to be abandoned or cancelled in that event.
AS say that a number of clubs in the top two divisions have made adjustments to their stadium layout in order to comply with the new rules. Real Betis, Numancia and Villarreal are three of those to have made changes.