Coronavirus should not affect Scottish football
THERE is “no indication” Scottish football fixtures will be affected by coronavirus but the game’s authorities will meet daily to review the situation.
Representatives from the SFA and SPFL met on Monday as part of a joint response to the outbreak, less than 24 hours after Scotland’s first case was confirmed on Tayside.
The response group features SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell and his league counterpart, Neil Doncaster, as well as the governing body’s medical consultant, Dr John MacLean. It will consider the implications for domestic and international fixtures.
Doncaster said: “We are in regular dialogue with our counterparts in England and leagues in Europe to share news and best practice.
“At the moment, there have been no indications that match schedules will be affected, but we are monitoring events closely and liaising with the Scottish Government to ensure we are as well prepared as possible.
“Together with the Scottish FA, we will co-ordinate the game’s response to the challenges posed by the coronavirus outbreak in a responsible and planned manner. We will obviously update clubs and fans on any developments.”
MacLean is in regular dialogue with colleagues across the UK and beyond and will be guided by the chief medical officers of Scotland and the UK.
Maxwell added: “While it is important to stress that the current government advice states the risk to individuals is moderate, nonetheless we are starting to see the impact the spread of the virus is having, with the postponement of sporting events across Europe.
“The response group will co-ordinate activity daily to ensure Scottish football takes the necessary measures to safeguard the wellbeing of everyone involved in the national game amid the outbreak.”