UEFA has set up an emergency working group to cope with the coronavirus fixture pile-up – as Fifa boss Gianni Infantino urged the game “not to panic”.
The decision by Uefa’s executive committee came despite the governing body spending just “two minutes” discussing the virus in a meeting in Amsterdam on Monday.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has spoken of Coronavirus at a meeting in AmsterdamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But with Swiss and Italian football already in meltdown over postponements, Uefa has accepted it must take some action.
Swiss FA President Dominique Blanc, who has already cancelled all league matches until next month, told the Uefa Congress in the Dutch city: “I’m speaking for Switzerland.
“We are in a situation that could shake professional football to its foundations.”
SunSport revealed that FA, Prem and EFL bosses are working on contingency plans to play matches behind closed doors if necessary to get the season finished.
England’s planned Euro 2020 warm-up friendlies with Italy and Denmark at Wembley this month are also under threat.
But Infantino urged the game not to over-react to the growing crisis.
Speaking at the Uefa Congress in Amsterdam, the Fifa boss said: “We cannot have a speech without mentioning the coronavirus.
“Some of you are having to take important decisions.
Coronavirus has spread across Europe resulting in jittery markets
“Every competition organiser has to study it and take decisions.
“What is important is cooperation with the authorities but it is also important not to panic.
“I’m sure those who take decisions, as in what happened in Switzerland and Italy last week, will take them and be able to move forward.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
