FORMER World Cup star Thomas Kahlenberg has tested positive for the coronavirus in what is the highest-profile case of the disease spreading to football yet.
After contracting the virus on a trip to Amsterdam, the 36-year-old is now in quarantine along with 13 members of Danish club Brondby’s staff.
Kahlenberg featuring against the Netherlands at the 2010 World CupCredit: 2010 Bob Thomas
Among those reported by local media as being isolated are defender Joel Kabongo, club CEO Ole Palma and assistant coach Martin Retov.
Danish health services are now looking to get in touch with people Kahlenberg has been in contact with since he returned from the Netherlands, including fans directly nearby at Sunday’s game between Brondby and Lyngby.
Three players from Lyngby’s squad have also been placed in a 14-day quarantine despite showing no symptoms.
Martin Ornskov, Kasper Jorgensen and Patrick da Silva all came into physical contact with Kahlenberg and are beginning a period of isolation.
Former attacking midfielder Kahlenberg played 47 times for Denmark’s national team before hanging up his boots in 2017.
At the 2010 World Cup, he started two group games and came off the bench in another as his side exited South Africa early.
Football has not been spared from the outbreak of coronavirus with several games across the world cancelled since the virus spread globally.
Italian matches in particular have been hit with a player for Serie C side Pianese last month becoming the first professional footballer infected.
In the UK, the total number of cases is currently at 115 with Premier League chiefs prepared to play games behind closed doors if necessary.
Six Nations matches pitching England and Ireland against Italy are also off with major Chinese and Japanese events across football, athletics and Formula 1 also cancelled.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says UK ‘may not be able to contain coronavirus forever’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
