CORONAVIRUS has been spread across the globe with the outbreak causing the deaths of thousands of people.
Having originated in Wuhan, China, nearly 50 countries have reported confirmed cases, with governments now taking measures to ensure more are infected – including quarantining towns.
Read our coronavirus live blog for all the latest news and updates
This summer’s Tokyo Olympics is among a host of sports at risk of being cancelledCredit: EPA
Now, sporting events are also been cancelled, while many more are under threat should the coronavirus not be contained and neutralised.
What sporting events have been cancelled?
F1
Formula One was among the first to react in sport, as it cancelled the Chinese Grand Prix – held in Shanghai – on February 12.
The race is not due until April 19, but with the virus continuing to spread, it was not in the interest of safety to retain it at that date.
FIA, the sport’s governing body, are looking into holding it later in the year, but with a record-breaking 22-race calendar, it looks unlikely.
Chinese F1 Grand Prix has already been postponed due to the virus outbreakCredit: AFP or licensors
Vietnam has also come under threat, but organisers have so far insisted that it will go ahead for which it will be its inaugural race – despite being just 100 miles from the Chinese border.
There is also concerns over other races, even the season opener in Australia, with Ferrari, AlphaTauri and tyre suppliers Pirelli all in affected areas of Italy.
Organisers for Bahrain GP has said they still plan to hold their race, but the government have revealed foreign nationals are not permitted in the country if they have been to Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong and others in the past 14 days.
Many teams will travel through Singapore and Hong Kong on their way to Australia.
Rugby
Following Coronavirus’ spread to Italy, the Six Nations clash between the Azzurri and Ireland has been called off – ten days before it is due to be played.
It was supposed to be played in Dublin, but with the outbreak affecting many Italian cities, the cancellation comes to avoid spreading it further.
This is along with an under-20s game and women’s international that were due to be played on the same day.
England’s trip to Italy has now also been postponed with a new date yet to be arranged.
And all sporting events in Italy have now been ordered to be played behind closed doors until April 3.
Football
Coronavirus has wreaked havoc on the Italian football season with matches in two weekends being postponed in Serie A.
Among those is the Derby d’Italia between Juventus and Inter Milan.
That was Inter’s third game affected having also had a league clash postponed the week before playing their Europa League game against Ludogorets Razgrad behind closed doors.
As for Juve, just days after they were due to play Inter, their Coppa Italia tie against AC Milan was cancelled.
Japan’s J-League have also postponed matches, while the Chinese Super League season has be held off until the coronavirus situation has been dealt with.
The virus had already affected the AFC Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament in Asia, which was due to be played in Wuhan – before it was moved to Sydney in Australia.
Odion Ighalo was forced to train away from his new Manchester United teammates after joining from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua in January.
So far, the Premier League has not been affected, but clubs are being told to follow NHS guidelines.
Odion Ighalo had to train at Team GB’s Taekwondo centre in Manchester over fears of the CoronavirusCredit: https://twitter.com/ighalojude
Other
The Cheltenham Festival is expected to go ahead as planned, despite a Coronavirus steering group being set up to watch and monitor the situation in horse racing.
Meanwhile, the World Indoor Athletics Championships were postponed, having been scheduled to be held in Nanjing between March 13-15 – with it now set to be held in 2021.
The Tokyo Marathon on March 1 is set to be just for elite athletes, rather than open to the public.
In cycling, the UAE Tour has been cancelled after two Italian staff members tested positive for coronavirus.
They were a part of one of the participating teams, with all riders – including Britain’s Chris Froome – set to be tested.
WrestleMania 36 is also in doubt, with WWE saying they are constantly monitoring ahead of the event on April 5.
Will the Olympics and Euro 2020 be affected?
Olympics could be moved until the end of the year as the coronavirus outbreak worsens.
Japan’s Olympics minister has revealed: “The contract calls for the Games to be held within 2020.
“That could be interpreted as allowing a postponement.
“We are doing all we can to ensure that the Games go ahead as planned.”
This came days after it was claimed that it was “business as usual” at IOC.
International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound spoke to Associated Press, telling athletes: “As far as we all know, you’re going to be in Tokyo.”
But the Canadian added that a decision does not need to be made until May, yet will be out of their hands.
Pound told BBC Radio 5 Live: “We’re pretty good at dealing with sport problems, but a pandemic is beyond our pay grade.
“It will depend on the WHO (World Health Organisation) to make a call with respect to international travel and the places that should be avoided.”
Yet, Pound also said they are looking into contingency plans, including holding the Olympics later in the year or even in various unaffected countries around the world.
He added: “Everything is on the table. You could disperse the Games, for example have some events in Canada, some in Britain, etc.”
IOC member Dick Pound reveals they are looking into alternatives should Tokyo be unable to host the OlympicsCredit: christinne muschi
As for Euro 2020, the competition is set to be held across 12 different countries with the semis and final ending up at Wembley in London.
Yet, Italy is among them, with Stadio Olimpico in Rome to host four matches, while only four of the 12 nations hosting games are unaffected by the virus so far.
Uefa executive committee member, Michele Uva, told RAI: “We are at the waiting stage.
“We are monitoring country by country, and football must follow the orders of the individual countries.
“The sporting path will only be closed if the situation gets worse.”
Yet, Uefa are not too concerned at the moment, after meeting on March 2, where they spent just two minutes discussing the coronavirus outbreak – with the outcome simply to keep in touch with authorities on latest updates.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
