All English Premier League and lower division matches are to be played in empty stadiums amid the coronavirus outbreak according to English media reports.
The report from the Times via Reuters said the season will not be cut short or postponed and that the games behind closed doors will not be shown in pubs “to avoid congregation of people”.
Coronavirus cases in Britain number about 450 people with eight people reported to have died from the disease.
The report said “the plan may be implemented once the number of UK coronavirus cases passes 500”.
On Wednesday, Manchester City’s fixture with Arsenal became the first to be postponed due to coronavirus after it emerged that Arsenal players and staff had come into contact with Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis who has tested positive for coronavirus.
Italy’s Serie A has been suspended until 3 April while French Ligue 1 and Spanish La Liga games are being played without spectators.
Juventus on Wednesday confirmed that 25-year-old defender Daniele Rugani had tested positive for coronavirus, casting doubt on the Italian side’s Champions League last-16 return leg against Olympique Lyonnais next week.
German second division side Hannover 96 also confirmed that defender Timo Hubers is currently in quarantine after contracting coronavirus.
Inter Milan’s Europa League last 32 1st leg tie with Getafe as well as Sevilla vs AS Roma have been cancelled.
Austrian club LASK will host Manchester United without spectators in their last 32, 1st leg tie, as will Olympiakos who are set to welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers despite the Greek club’s owner Marikanis testing positive for coronavirus.
