Coronavirus: UEFA puts all club competitions on hold
March 13 – In an unprecedented move, UEFA has suspended its entire club competition programme next week as a result of the coronavirus.
World Football
US Soccer president Cordeiro resigns in the aftermath of women’s criticism
March 13 – US Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro has resigned following the furious criticism of the language used in its legal filing in the suit brought against it by its women’s team.
MLS calls 30-day shutdown; Conacaf suspend Champions League; all USSF games off
By Paul Nicholson
March 13 – On Wednesday MLS games in Seattle and San Jose were postponed. A day later Major League Soccer had followed in the wake of the NBA and suspended all games, effective immediately, for 30 days, as it continues to assess the impact of the coronavirus.
LaLiga suspended for two rounds as Real Madrid squad quarantined
March 12 – La Liga in Spain has been suspended for “at least the next two rounds of matches” as a result of the Real Madrid squad going into quarantine because of the coronavirus.
Cordeiro promises ‘respect’ but ‘lesser’ claim throws fuel on flames of WNT discrimination case
March 12 – US Soccer has apologised after a backlash against statements in court documents this week that players on the men’s national team possess greater skill and have more demanding jobs than their female counterparts. The federation is also feeling the heat from sponsors.
UEFA’s big nations block proposal to spread power balance
By Andrew Warshaw
March 12 – A proposal to give smaller European nations more of a say in key decisions affecting the running of the game has failed to materialise following the intervention of Germany, UEFA’s biggest individual federation.
Conmebol asks for suspension of 2020 qualifiers over fear players will be stuck in Europe
March 12 – South American governing body Conmebol has called on FIFA to postpone this month’s World Cup qualifiers on the continent due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Europa League: UEFA cancel Getafe trip to Inter; Seville tie off as Roma grounded
March 12 – After telling UEFA they wouldn’t travel, Getafe have now persuaded European football’s governing body to call off tonight’s Europa League tie against Inter Milan as the coronavirus begins to bite into UEFA’s club competitions – something it was hoped could be avoided by playing games behind closed doors.
Juventus in lockdown after Rugani tests positive for coronavirus
March 12 – Juventus’ Italian international defender Daniele Rugani has tested positive for coronavirus, the first top-flight player to be infected as the outbreak continues to spread.
Atletico Madrid end Liverpool’s Champions League defence in extra time
March 12 – Holders Liverpool crashed out of the Champions league on Wednesday with manager Jurgen Klopp accusing opponents Atletico Madrid of using negative tactics.
Coronavirus: First impact in US as MSL and USL clubs on West coast postpone matches
March 12 – The first professional football casualty of the Coronavirus has been recorded in the US both MLS and USL clubs reacting swiftly to local authority advisories and seasons barely a game old.
Coronavirus: Getafe refuse to travel to Inter Milan, Kenya call off AFCON qualifier
March 11 – In a major escalation of the effects of Covid-19 on UEFA competitions, Getafe have refused to travel for their Europa League game against Inter Milan on Thursday, putting the club in direct conflict with European football’s governing body.
Coronavirus: Marinakis contact forces Arsenal vs Man City off, but Olympiakos vs Wolves is on
March 11 – Manchester City’s Premier League home match against Arsenal tonight has become the first English top-flight fixture to fall victim to the coronavirus.
Zambia women beat Cameroon to qualify for first Olympic tournament
March 11 – Zambia have qualified for the first time for the Olympic Women’s Football tournament following a 2-1 victory over Cameroon.
Coronavirus: ECA call off General Assembly scheduled for Budapest at end of month
March 11 – The European Club Association (ECA) has called off its forthcoming general assembly in Budapest at the end of this month because of Covid-19 with representatives of more than 200 clubs across the continent forced to cancel their arrangements to fly to the Hungarian capital for their biggest annual gathering.