Sevilla vs Girona & Cádiz vs Almería Postponed Due to Storm Marta
- Seville, Spain – La Liga has postponed Saturday’s Spanish La Liga match between Sevilla FC and Girona FC due to safety concerns related to Storm Martha.
- The decision comes as the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued an orange alert for the entire province of Seville, forecasting intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
- La Liga confirmed the postponement in a statement, noting the directive from the Andalusian government regarding safety and civil protection.
Seville, Spain – La Liga has postponed Saturday’s Spanish La Liga match between Sevilla FC and Girona FC due to safety concerns related to Storm Martha. The match, scheduled for local time at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium, was called off following instructions from the Andalusian regional government, which is responsible for emergency services.
The decision comes as the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued an orange alert for the entire province of Seville, forecasting intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Authorities are particularly concerned about potential flooding of the Guadalquivir River, prompting increased surveillance by local police and Civil Protection services in vulnerable areas. The city council had already elevated its Territorial Emergency Plan to Phase 1, the highest operational level, and requested the postponement of the match, having closed public parks and sports facilities and advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
La Liga confirmed the postponement in a statement, noting the directive from the Andalusian government regarding safety and civil protection. The league stated that new dates and times for both the Sevilla-Girona match and the Cádiz CF-UD Almería match – also postponed due to the storm – will be announced shortly. The Cádiz-Almería match, scheduled for local time, was also affected.
While La Liga initially expressed reluctance to postpone the match, citing the orange alert level rather than a more severe red alert, the regional government ultimately asserted its authority as the directing administration for the emergency. The Subdelegation of the Government in Seville had previously written to the Andalusian government delegation, urging them to request the suspension and forward the request to La Liga.
The postponement highlights the increasing impact of extreme weather events on sporting schedules across Europe. Storm Martha is impacting not only football but also broader public life in Andalusia, with authorities prioritizing public safety amidst the severe weather conditions. The Guadalquivir River, a major waterway through Seville, is a particular focus of concern, with municipal services reinforced to monitor and respond to potential flooding.
As of , Sevilla currently ranks 15th in La Liga, while Girona FC holds the 12th position. The match represented an important fixture for both teams as they navigate the mid-season schedule. The postponement adds to the congestion of the La Liga calendar and will require rescheduling efforts to accommodate the affected matches.
Several players from both teams are currently sidelined due to injury. Sevilla’s César Azpilicueta, Fabio Cardoso, and Jose Angel Carmona are among those unavailable for selection. Girona also has a number of players recovering from injuries, including Andrés Lopez, Federico Gattoni, and David Lopez. The impact of these absences on the rescheduled match remains to be seen.
The decision to postpone the match underscores the growing need for proactive planning and coordination between sporting organizations and emergency management authorities in the face of increasingly frequent and intense weather events. The safety of players and spectators remains the paramount concern, and the Andalusian government’s decisive action reflects a commitment to prioritizing public well-being.
La Liga has not yet announced the rescheduled date for the Sevilla FC versus Girona FC match. Updates will be provided as they become available. The league’s statement emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safe and orderly resumption of play once the weather conditions improve.
