Football in limbo as PRO14 calls off season

SCOTTISH football authorities will decide on their response to measures to curtail mass gatherings following talks with the Scottish Government – but rugby chiefs have announced the decision to suspend the Guinness PRO14 season indefinitely.

Nicola Sturgeon announced that large gatherings of more than 500 people that require police or paramedics, or could impact on the health service, would be cancelled from Monday due to the outbreak of coronavirus in Scotland.

The daily talks of the joint response group set up by the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Professional Football League will continue before major decisions are made.

In a statement, SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell and SPFL counterpart Neil Doncaster said: “Following the First Minister’s comments regarding plans to restrict public gatherings from next week, we will enter discussions with the Scottish Government to understand the full detail of their plans and the implications for clubs and national sides.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all SPFL games scheduled for this weekend will be proceeding as planned. Once we are in possession of a definitive action plan from the Scottish Government, we will communicate contingency plans as quickly and as accurately as possible.”

However, Scotland’s pro rugby teams are in limbo after the PRO14 announced the suspension of their league – stressing that the question of when to resume the campaign will be “under constant review”.

A statement issued by organisers said: “The PRO14 is an international league. Cross border travel is inevitable and that brings with it unique challenges. With governments in Italy and Ireland already putting in place clear directives and restrictions around public activities and travel, the decision to suspend the competition is appropriate.”