February 26 – European governing body UEFA has said it is monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus closely, but potential consequences for Euro 2020 remain unclear.
This summer, Rome will be one of the 12 host cities for Euro 2020, staging the tournament’s curtain raiser and three other matches. To date Italy has been the hardest hit of European countries by the spread of Covid-19, with 322 confirmed cases and 11 deaths, mainly in the country’s northern region. The capital has so far remained unaffected, but with just over a 100 days left until the kick-off of the quadrennial tournament, the situation is causing concern.
“We are at the waiting stage. We are monitoring country by country, and football must follow the orders of the individual countries,” UEFA executive committee member Italian Michele Uva told state broadcaster Rai. “The sporting path will only be closed if the situation gets worse.”
The Italian government has already banned sporting events in six regions, but Serie A matches will go ahead this weekend, albeit some will be played behind closed doors. Fans will still be allowed to attend the matches at Lazio, Napoli, Lecce and Cagliari.
In Rugby Union, Ireland have been told that their match Six Nations match in Dublin on March 7 against Italy should not go ahead, whilst there are doubts over England’s visit to Rome to play Italy on March 15.
On Tuesday, Napoli hosted Barcelona in the Champions League, but Inter Milan will take on Ludogorets Razgrad on Thursday in the Europa League behind closed doors at the San Siro Stadium. In a statement, UEFA said: “All other UEFA matches scheduled this week will go ahead as planned and at this time there are no restrictions for attending supporters.”
On Thursday, Belgian side AA Gent host AS Roma in their last-32 return leg.
The European governing body added: “UEFA will continue to closely monitor the situation regarding Covid-19 and to liaise with relevant authorities in this respect.”
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1734790689labto1734790689ofdlr1734790689owedi1734790689sni@t1734790689catno1734790689c1734790689