FOOTBALL VIRUS SHORTS

PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have banned their stars from commercial travel during their time off following the suspension of the competition. While a number of teams, including Manchester United, will continue to train as normal, other clubs have given their players an extended break. Some have imposed major travel restrictions, with medical departments mindful of their stars walking through airports and train stations given the risks. SAMI MOKBEL

PLANS for two inductees into the Premier League’s inaugural Hall of Fame this week have been cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis. Two leading players were due to be celebrated at a special event in London on Thursday evening, with Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry among the favourites. But the ceremony has been called off with Premier League bosses set to meet clubs that day to discuss issues related to the suspension of the competition. The Hall of Fame plan, revealed in February, may be put on hold. KIERAN GILL

ITALY became the first federation last night to call for Euro 2020 to be postponed, so that they can complete the Serie A campaign. Italian football federation president Gabriele Gravina told SportMediaset: ‘We will propose to UEFA the delay of the European Championship. We will try to get to the end of this (season) because it is fairer and more correct.’ Gravina said he hoped Serie A could finish by June 30, but did not rule out a month-long extension. Euro 2020 is set to begin in Rome on June 12.

FORMER Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala has revealed he is one of five Valencia first-team staff to have tested positive for coronavirus. Mangala, who moved to Spain on a free transfer last summer after five years at City, said he is feeling well and self-isolating at home. He wrote on Twitter: ‘I learned that we can carry the virus without having symptoms, that’s why I recommend everyone to follow the confinement measures and avoid contact with other people, as much as possible, even if you feel well.’ Team-mates Ezequiel Garay and Jose Luis Gaya also tested positive.