Coronavirus: ‘No rationale’ to staging sporting events behind closed doors, say government

The British government has spoken to broadcasters about the possibility of staging sports events without crowds present due to fears over the spread of coronavirus.

Dozens of major and minor sporting events have already been called off around the world with others forced to go ahead behind closed doors with no spectators.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said there had been discussion with governing bodies and broadcasters of contingency plans “should the situation change and become necessary”.

Following a meeting on Monday, the DCMS released a statement that read: “Senior government officials chaired a constructive meeting of sports and broadcast partners as part of sensible contingency planning in relation to Covid-19.

“This included a discussion of how staging sporting events behind closed doors could work in practice, should the situation change and become necessary.

“However based upon the current scientific advice from the Government’s medical experts, there is no rationale to close or cancel sporting events as things stand.

“We will remain in regular dialogue with sports governing bodies and broadcasters, ensuring they are in receipt of the most up to date guidance from the health authorities.”

It is understood that representatives from both BT and Sky Sports were present at the meeting, as well as those from terrestrial television networks and radio.

The meeting is also understood to have considered what the possible knock-on effects of matches being played behind closed doors might be, such as increased numbers going to pubs to watch games on television and supporters gathering outside stadiums if not allowed inside.

The France vs Ireland Six Nations match is the latest major sporting event to be postponed due to the spread of the virus.

The game was due to be played in Paris on Saturday, but will now not go ahead on the advice of the French government.

As it stands, the Wales vs Scotland match is the only game in the final round of the Six Nations due to go ahead as originally scheduled, after the Italy vs England game in Rome was postponed last week.

The Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night will go ahead behind closed doors, while RB Leipzig confirmed supporters would be able to attend their match against Tottenham on Tuesday night.

Football’s world governing body Fifa said that 2022 World Cup qualifying matches in Asia due to be played later this month and in June had been postponed.

However, there was scope for individual national associations to still stage matches in the March and June international breaks if they mutually agreed to, and that provisions to ensure the safety of all individuals involved met the required standards. FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation would also have to give their approval to any match going ahead.

Other sporting events abroad continue to be affected by the outbreak and organisers of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells have announced that the event will not take place.

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Kim Clijsters were among the players set to take part in the tournament which was due to start in California on Monday.

Indian Wells is the first Premier Mandatory event of the WTA season and is a Masters 1000 event on the men’s tour.