LaLiga to use CGI fans and FIFA 20 crowd noise when Real Madrid, Barcelona and Co return to action this week
LALIGA matches are set to be broadcast with CGI fans thanks to FIFA 20, league chief Javier Tebas has claimed.
The Spanish top-flight is working with video game developer EA Sports and graphics company VIZRT to ensure matches played behind closed doors still have a lively atmosphere for those watching at home.
On Thursday, the action resumes after three months away due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Sevilla host Real Betis for an Andalusian derby that would typically be held in a boisterous Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
But Tebas is confident that alternative measures will be in place, telling Movistar: "We've been working with a Norwegian company and EA Sports, with the match sounds from their FIFA games.
"When you play FIFA, you're actually hearing a real stadium atmosphere. The virtual atmosphere will be very good."
Part of the production will be CGI fans donning their team colours and holding up banners bearing messages to encourage their team.
Clubs around Spain are preparing for the restart, which Real Madrid will undertake at their training ground stadium due to renovation works at the Bernabeu.
Athletic Club are scheduling extra training sessions to get used to their San Mames home being empty while Villarreal have deployed cardboard cutouts of fans, much like Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Yellow Submarine are also planning on playing out recordings of their home fans' chants during matches at Estadio de la Ceramica.
LaLiga president Tebas even noted his optimism that fans may actually be able to return to stadiums this season.
On the Canary Islands, Segunda Division team Las Palmas believe they are ready to allow supporters back in having largely overcome the virus.
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Tebas opened the door by stating: "Fans should be back as soon as they are allowed to be back."
Extra camera positions are also being constructed amid the absence of fans, with games set to feature a 12-man bench and as many as five substitutions.
Referees have been told not to book players for spitting or breaking social distancing measures in their celebrations, although other precautions off the pitch are to be taken.