Coronavirus sport news – live: Premier League suspended as Champions League and Europa League matches also cancelled
Follow latest updates as coronavirus continues to take its toll on the sporting world
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Follow live coverage where the Premier League has agreed to postpone the season until at least 4 April at in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. The Independent has been told that several clubs have pushed for a suspension and that there is a minority of officials who will argue that the campaign should be voided altogether.
Uefa have confirmed that all Champions League and Europa League games next week, including Bayern Munich vs Chelsea and Man City vs Real Madrid, have been cancelled. This comes after Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta tested positive for the virus as has Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.
England’s cricket tour of Sri Lanka has been called off while elsewhere, Formula One have cancelled the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. A member of McLaren’s team tested positive for Covid-19, leading the constructors to withdraw from this weekend’s planned race. F1 later announced the race would not go ahead. Follow the latest updates here:
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The Premier League had previously taken their lead from the government, which had been adamant that closing stadiums was reactionary, and not actually that beneficial.
That stance has been undercut by participating figures like Arteta and Hudson-Odoi actually contracting the virus, as it illustrates a host of other problems beyond the actual benefit of shutting down mass gatherings like football matches.
Decisions from the Premier League and EFL regarding their respective campaigns are expected this morning.
Here is the full story on Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi's positive test for coronavirus and subsequent video statement, which you can watch below:
And here is The Independent's Miguel Delaney on how a delay to Euro 2020 could alter the entire continental season in Europe:
Watford have started testing players with symptoms of coronavirus.
France's top football flights Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 will be suspended until further notice due to coronavirus concerns, league organisers have said.
Breaking: All matches in Uefa competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League, will not take place next week.
Breaking: Forthcoming Test matches between England's cricket team and Sri Lanka have been cancelled.
A warm-up match is being played right now.
Here is the full story on Uefa's cancellations of next week's Champions League and Europa League fixtures:
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