Coronavirus: Government Decree Forces All Sporting Activities Behind Closed Doors In Italy

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Sporting activities will be carried out behind closed doors in Italy till April as a result of the increasing spread of coronavirus, the government said on Wednesday.

England’s men’s and women’s Six Nations matches and all Serie A games will hold without the presence of fans.

“There will be no sporting events with the presence of the public in order to prevent further contagion opportunities.”The government’s decree reads.

“Sports events and competitions of all kinds and disciplines, held in every place, both public and private, are suspended; however it is permitted to carry out the aforementioned events and competitions behind closed doors, or outdoors without the presence of the public.

“In all such cases, the associations and sports clubs, by means of their medical staff, are required to carry out the appropriate checks to contain the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus among athletes, technicians, managers and all accompanying persons who participate.”

Italy is the worst-hit European country with some 3,090 cases and 107 deaths.

The Italian Cup semi-finals between Juventus and AC Milan and Napoli and Inter Milan were postponed this week.

England men’s and women’s sides play Italy in the Six Nations on 14 and 15 March.

The issue will be discussed at a meeting on Thursday by the Six Nations organisers and the individual countries – and the matches in Italy could be postponed rather than being played behind closed doors.