Benfica ask for two week stoppage after 17 COVID cases at club

Benfica announced this Tuesday that 17 cases of COVID-19 have been detected among players and coaching staff. They have reported this to the Portuguese health authorities (DGS). They also want their matches postponed for two weeks. 

Although the names of the players affected have not been revealed, Benfica sources told 'EFE' that five first team players are among the 17 infected. 

"With this data, in order to protect public health and the physical integrity of the sportsmen affected, Benfica refer to the DGS the decision of competing in the next 14 days," the club's statement reads. 

The tests were carried out last Saturday at Seixal, Benfica's training centre. 

On Wednesday, Benfica are set to play against Braga in a Portuguese League Cup semi-final. It is part of a final four tournament in Leiria which begins this Tuesday with Sporting Lisbon against Porto. 

The third wave of COVID-19 has hit Portugal hard. Hospitals are closing to being overrun due to the amount of people being admitted since the end of December. 

There have been over 100 deaths a day in the country for each of the past 11 days and a record tally of 167 deaths on Monday. There were never over 100 deaths during the first two waves. There are also around 10,000 new cases a day.