Real Madrid, Inter, Bayern set up coronavirus charity tournament

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan are to face off in a 2021 charity tournament called the European Solidarity Cup, with the aim of raising money for healthcare resources in Italy and Spain in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Spain and Italy among countries most affected by coronavirus pandemic

Spain and Italy have been two of the hardest-hit European nations during the Covid-19 crisis, recording 27,709 and 32,007 deaths, respectively.

Everyday life - including sport - has seen massive changes across both countries over the past two months, with lockdown measures only recently beginning to be eased.

The three giants will play matches next year to determine the winner of the European Solidary Cup, but the main purpose will be to aid the purchasing of healthcare supplies and express gratitude to medical professionals for their work during the pandemic.

The matches will be played across each of the three cities, with the tournament announced for 2021 in the hope fans will once again be able to attend.

Real Madrid, Bayern and Inter aim to "send out a message of solidarity and fraternity to the people of Europe"

A statement released by Los Blancos read: "Real Madrid are set to team up with Bayern Munich and Inter to host the European Solidarity Cup in 2021. The three clubs will come together to send out a message of solidarity and fraternity to the people of Europe.

"The solidarity event will see three football matches held during 2021 in the cities of Madrid, Munich and Milan. The dates for these games will depend on the competitive calendar and of course will take place when the fans are able to return to the stands.

"The three teams will all come up against each other: Madrid vs Inter will happen in Madrid, Inter vs Bayern is set for Milan and Bayern vs Madrid will be held in Munich. The proceeds from these games will go towards the purchase of healthcare resources in Italy and Spain.

"Healthcare staff who continue to fight the pandemic will be represented at all of the games. The three clubs wish to demonstrate to these heroes all of our solidarity, respect and gratitude."

Bayern resumed their 2019-20 Bundesliga campaign on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Union Berlin. LaLiga and Serie A are not expected to recommence until next month at the earliest, however.