A sign named Corona Area is seen inside the stadium during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 first ... [+]
Topline: Several elite soccer matches across Europe have been halted, with governing bodies UEFA and England’s Football Association suspending matches in major leagues until at least next month after a handful of teams were affected by Covid-19 infections.
- European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, said its Champions League and Europa League Matches slated for next week were postponed.
- UEFA said in a statement: “This includes the remaining UEFA Champions League, Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020; all UEFA Europa League, Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 19 March 2020; all UEFA Youth League, quarter-final matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020.”
- Matches in England’s top-tier Premier League, EFL, FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have also been postponed until April 3 after seven teams were affected by players or managers who are infected with Covid-19.
- Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said in a statement: "In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, Government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority." Friday’s decisions follow a meeting of shareholders.
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for Covid-19, while players across six teams: Arsenal, Chelsea, Leicester City, Bournemouth, Manchester City, Juventus and Real Madrid, are self-isolating.
- Scotland’s soccer games have also been suspended until further notice.
Crucial quote: England’s soccer governing body, the FA, said in a statement: “The decision is being made purely on the number of cases requiring self-isolation and the impact on facilities.
“Given the steps being taken across clubs, there is no alternative but for today’s action. However, all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season’s domestic fixture programme and are liaising to establish appropriate options to do so.”
Clubs are encouraged to suspend “all non-essential activities” including player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings, the statement said.
What to watch for: UEFA will meet next Tuesday to coordinate its response to the spread of coronavirus, and decisions could be made about postponing the Euro 2020 tournament.
Which matches have been postponed?
Champions League: Bayern Munich v Chelsea, Barcelona v Napoli, Man City v Real Madrid and Juventus v Lyon.
Europa League: Bayer Leverkusen v Rangers, Getafe v Inter Milan, Shakhtar Donetsk v Wolfsburg, Wolves v Olympiakos, FC Basel v Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Copenhagen v Istanbul, Basaksehir, Manchester United v LASK, Roma v Sevilla.
English Premier League: You can view a complete list here.
Key background: The coronavirus pandemic has impacted on sporting competitions around the world. The National Hockey League, Spain’s La Liga soccer league and Miami Open tennis matches are among those to have been postponed or cancelled. One unanswered question is whether this summer's Tokyo Olympics will go ahead.
Further reading: Coronavirus Cancellation Tracker: Millions Are Changing Plans After Events Cancelled Or Rescheduled (Carter Coudriet)
