Coronavirus: When will decision be made on football matches played behind closed doors? Will games be postponed?
English football looks set to go behind closed doors due to the outbreak of the coronavirus - but when will an official decision be made?
The Government is set to move to the “delay” stage of its action plan to deal with the spread of the virus and reports claim Premier League and Football League games in England could all go behind closed doors.
When will a decision be made?
A meeting is reportedly being held at around 11am on Thursday morning to discuss the possibility of matches going behind closed doors.
The Times report a decision will be reached to ban spectators from attending matches, it is just a case of when it will be triggered.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder spoke to the media ahead of his side’s trip to Newcastle United this weekend and believes “it is coming”.
He said: “Yeah, I think it’s coming, maybe even in the next 24 to 48 hours. It might even happen for Newcastle. I know there is a meeting at 11am and I know it’s picked up pace over the last day or so.”
What are the options?
According to The Times, all Premier League season-ticket holders and ticket holders for individual games will be able to stream coverage of matches into their homes.
For supporters of clubs in the EFL, ticket holders will be allowed to watch matches on iFollow streams. No games will be shown in pubs to avoid congregation of people.
The Times also say that at no point will games be postponed in order for the football season to finish when scheduled in May.
What other countries have gone behind closed doors?
Matches in Italy and Spain have been played behind closed doors following the outbreak of the virus. All Italian sport has now been postponed.
On Wednesday evening, it was revealed Juventus defender Daniele Rugani was tested positive for the coronavirus.
Matches in the Champions League and Europa League have been affected after Paris Saint-Germain played against Borussia Dortmund in an empty stadium. Europa League games involving Manchester United and Wolves tonight are also set to be played behind closed doors.
La Liga games have been postponed.