Madrid, Jun 18 (AP) International viewership for Spanish soccer games increased by nearly 50% after they returned from the break caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the league said Thursday.

Figures for the first set of matches following the break were 48 per cent higher than the average for the other 27 rounds played before the suspension in mid-March.

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The league said the increase in Africa reached more than 70 per cent, and was 56 per cent in Europe. There was a rise of 210 per cent in South Africa alone, and 130 per cent in Belgium. In India, where the league is broadcast on Facebook, the rise was of 72 per cent.

The league said in a statement that the numbers were compiled by consultant Nielsen Sports.

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"We're very pleased with the exponential growth in the figures for LaLiga's international audience," said Oscar Mayo, the league's director of business, marketing and international development.

"We knew that fans around the world were keen to enjoy the excitement and entertainment we offer. Achieving a rise of almost 50 per cent in our international audience is a reflection of the hard work put in by our international broadcasters, the clubs and the competition itself over these last few months."

The league said viewership numbers in Spain increased 12 per cent for the first matches after the break.

"We feel privileged to be able to take to the field again, and we're very happy to have the opportunity to offer live sports entertainment at a time when there are few events like this around the world," Spanish league president Javier Tebas said.

"We're grateful to all of the fans who've followed LaLiga now at the restart, because we've all worked hard to offer them entertainment again."

The league resumed on June 11 with the Seville derby. It is scheduled to finish on July 19. AP

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)