Champions League games postponed as virus hits world football
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND (AP):
THE DEEPENING virus outbreak prompted the cancellation of Champions League football for the first time yesterday, with the highprofile match between Manchester City and Real Madrid one of two to be postponed.
Juventus’ home match against Lyon in the last 16 - also scheduled for Tuesday - was called off, too, as the coronavirus pandemic took its toll on leagues and cup competitions around the world, from Spain to the Netherlands to the United States.
The Spanish league was brought to a halt for at least the next two rounds, shortly after Real Madrid announced its players had been put in quarantine. That decision was taken because one of the club’s basketball players, who share facilities with Madrid’s soccer players, tested positive for the virus.
Hours later, UEFA said the CityMadrid game at Etihad Stadium was postponed, with no new date arranged by European football’s governing body. City lead 2-1 from the first leg in Madrid.
At the same time, Juventus’ match against Lyon was cancelled by UEFA after it was confirmed on Wednesday that a player from the Italian team, Daniele Rugani, tested positive for COVID-19. Lyon lead 1-0 from the first leg.
Rugani, who also plays for the Italian national team, was the first player in the country’s top division to test positive for the disease. There was a second announced on Thursday – Sampdoria striker Manolo Gabbiadini.
“I’ve already received so very many messages. But I still want to reassure you that I’m fine, so don’t worry,”Gabbiadini, who was in selfisolation, wrote on Twitter.
The outbreak of the virus has led to a nationwide lockdown in Italy, where football and all other sports have been suspended until April 3.
UPCOMING CONFERENCE
It’s not known when t he Champions League will resume. UEFA has called stakeholders to a meeting by video conference on Tuesday to deal with the effect on European competitions of the coronavirus outbreak. “All domestic and European competitions,” i ncluding this year’s multi-country European Championship, will be discussed.
The World Health Organization labelled COVID-19 a pandemic, citing its alarming spread and severity. It has infected more then 125,000 people worldwide and caused more than 4,500 deaths since erupting in China.
For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover.
Among the leading leagues in Europe, England’s Premier League is continuing to be the outlier.
Following a government meeting, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said sports events in the country will be allowed to go on – although they could potentially be banned at a later date.