Soccer leagues across the globe, especially in Europe and Asia, are ramping up preparations and some even activating contingency plans in the wake of concerns over the coronavirus.
As countries around the globe aim to contain and combat the coronavirus, its impact on sports continues to increase. As the virus spreads across the world, there will be many matches across various competitions played without any spectators to try and prevent further spreading of the illness.
Here's how soccer events around the world are being impacted as COVID-19 concerns have escalated over the past couple of weeks:
- Champions League games in empty venues: Valencia-Atalanta; PSG-Dortmund; Barcelona-Napoli; Bayern-Chelsea; Juventus-Lyon.
- Europa League games in empty venues: Inter Milan-Getafe; Sevilla-Roma; Olympiacos-Wolves.
- La Liga games in empty venues: Matchday 28 and Matchday 29, which covers the entirety of March.
- Italy has suspended all Serie A games until April 3.
- Bundesliga games in empty venues: Dortmund-Schalke; Bayern-Eintracht.
- MLS is temporarily limiting locker rooms access to media members following games and practices.
- FIFA 2022 World Cup Asian qualifiers on March 23-31 and June 1-9 have been postponed.
Last month, the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency over the deadly new strain of virus that has infected thousands and killed thousands. The virus originated in Wuhan, China, and has now spread to all corners of the globe. There are confirmed cases in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, England, Russia, Australia, India, Ireland and many more nations.
UEFA isn't panicking over the virus when it comes to Euro 2020 preparation, according to Sky Sports. That tournament begins in just under 100 days. A week ago UEFA held a large gathering in Amsterdam for the UEFA Nations League draw.
For more on how the coronavirus is affecting sporting events across the globe, click here.
