International games in doubt due to virus

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has not ruled out postponing international matches as the coronavirus outbreak continues to escalate.

Speaking in Belfast ahead of today’s annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board, Infantino said Fifa would do whatever was necessary.

This weekend’s matches in the top two divisions in Switzerland were postponed yesterday after the government banned all events involving more than 1,000 people, while in Italy five Serie A games will be played behind closed doors. The leagues in Japan and Korea were postponed earlier this week.

Infantino said: “The health of persons is much more important than any football game.

“That’s why we have to look at the situation and hope that it will decrease rather than increase. At the moment it looks like it is still increasing.

“If games have to be postponed or played without spectators until it is over, then we have to go through that.”

Infantino is hopeful next month’s international friendlies will go ahead, saying: “I wouldn’t exclude anything at this moment. I hope we will never have to get into this direction.

“I think it will be difficult in any case to make a global ban because the situation is really different.”

He could not foresee a situation where large numbers of matches are played behind closed doors.

“I don’t think it is sustainable, but that is my personal view,” said Infantino.

Global football players’ union FIFPro has revealed fears among its members of being made to play in “high-risk environments” due to the virus.

If the threat shows no sign of abating, it is likely more leagues will be hit, and FIFPro has called on governing bodies to do all they can to protect players from the virus, calling the outbreak “bigger than football”.