CHAMPIONS LEAGUE and Europa League football could be suspended to prevent the spread of coronavirus, according to reports.
Uefa have already taken the decision to play many of the round-of-16 ties behind closed doors.
The Champions League could be suspended after the round-of-16Credit: EPA
Barcelona’s clash with Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain against Dortmund and Valencia’s tie with Atalanta will all be played in empty stadiums.
Also falling foul of the virus outbreak are the Europa League games between Wolves and Olympiacos, Getafe versus Inter Milan, Sevilla against Roma with Manchester United’s clash with LASK set to follow.
But as the deadly virus continues to spread, the two major competitions may be forced to come to a complete halt.
Reports by Spain’s Catalunya Radio suggest European football’s governing body Uefa believes a decision to suspend all quarter-final ties – the next phase of both tournaments – until further notice remains likely.
Chelsea’s clash with Bayern Munich a week on Wednesday could also fall victim to the virus with supporters to be banned from attending.
All sport in Italy, the European country hardest hit by the virus, has been suspended until at least April 3.
There have been over 114,000 infections worldwide and the death toll globally has passed 4,000.
Italy now has more than 9,200 confirmed infections with more than 400 deaths.
Other sporting events cancelled include Six Nations clashes involving Italy, the Chinese Grand Prix, the Chinese Super League and the World Indoor Athletic Championships.
FA set to axe 3pm blackout on showing Premier League kick-offs if coronavirus forces games behind closed doors
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
