La Liga is planning major changes in how games played behind closed doors will be broadcast during the coronavirus pandemic, sources have confirmed to ESPN.
Conversations between La Liga and its partner Mediapro -- responsible for the TV feed which is sent to broadcasters worldwide -- about how to mitigate the negative impact a lack of fans will have on football's entertainment value have been ongoing for some time.
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The Spanish government and health authorities are yet to confirm a return date for competitive football, although early June is now thought to be the most likely scenario.
With an acceptance that stadiums will be largely empty when the 2019-20 season resumes, figures at both organisations have given ESPN details of what they describe as an innovative plan to improve the viewing experience for fans at home.
Among the measures being considered are featuring conversations between players, coaches and referees during games, picked up by pitchside microphones.
Camera angles will be adjusted to avoid showing empty stands, taking advantage of the greater flexibility the absence of spectators gives camera operators in their positioning within the stadium.
Empty seats will also be covered with tarpaulin to reduce the visual impact.
One move not thought to be under consideration is the use of recorded crowd noise to create an artificial atmosphere, as has previously been used in games behind closed doors.
Planning is in its early stages and both clubs and players will need to sign off on the ideas, although sources at La Liga told ESPN they are optimistic after initial discussions.
In particular, club and player approval would be needed so that fans can hear in-game discussions between players, coaches and referees -- something that is already a feature of other sports and leagues.
Clubs are typically cautious about any move which could increase the scrutiny of player behaviour on the pitch and potentially lead to greater controversy off it.
The feeling among clubs is that games will need to be played behind closed doors for some months before health authorities deem it safe to allow fans back in.
In fact, ESPN has been told that Barcelona are analysing a worst-case scenario that would see games being played without fans present until February 2021.
The number of personnel inside stadiums will be strictly limited to those necessary to safely play and broadcast games, as is set out in detail in La Liga's protocols on a return to football.
One of La Liga's main concerns in all this, besides the safety of all concerned, is to make sure that its value as an entertainment product is not unduly affected by the absence of crowds.
There is also hope that adding novelty value with the introduction of new elements will go some way towards compensating for the lack of atmosphere.