The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
SFA and SPFL follow advice on coronavirus
The Scottish football authorities have urged clubs to check their insurance policies in case matches need to be played behind closed doors or cancelled.
However, both the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Professional Football League have stated they are preparing for matches as normal following advice from the UK and Scottish governments.
The latest official figure was that 23 people had tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland, all of whom have travelled or are are linked to other people who have travelled.
In a joint statement issued to the PA news agency, SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell and his league counterpart, Neil Doncaster, said: “The SPFL and Scottish FA are continuing to work together in the face of the coronavirus threat.
“The Joint Response Group, including the Scottish FA’s chief medical consultant Dr John MacLean, is meeting on a daily basis to consider briefings from the World Health Organisation and to respond to the developing situation across the UK.
“We are aware of the decisions being taken elsewhere in Europe to cancel sporting events and/or hold them behind closed doors.
“However, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport announced yesterday that, as things stand, there is ‘no rationale’ for closing or cancelling sporting events in Britain because of coronavirus. This has been echoed in conversations that we have had with the Scottish Government.
“While it is a fast-changing picture and we will continue to be guided by the most up-to-date, expert advice, we are continuing to prepare for matches to proceed as scheduled.
“Member clubs are urged to review the terms of any business interruption insurance they may hold, in the event that future matches may be cancelled or have to be held behind closed doors.”
● Rangers’ Europa League clash against Bayer Leverkusen is set to be affected by measures to tackle coronavirus after state authorities in Germany issued a ban on major gatherings.
The North-Rhine Westphalia authority declared yesterday afternoon that events with more than 1,000 expected visitors should be cancelled or played behind closed doors.
The decree raises the prospect of Rangers fans being shut out of the second leg of the last-16 tie on March 19.
● Nottingham Forest have confirmed majority owner Evangelos Marinakis has contracted coronavirus.
The Greek businessman is also owner of Olympiacos, who are due to play Wolves behind closed doors in the Europa League tomorrow. Marinakis is following self-isolation orders.