Timeline of the coronavirus outbreak's impact on football

By Derren Howard
Published 12th Mar 2020, 10:01 BST
Updated 12th Mar 2020, 10:06 BST
Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain is challenged by Lukasz Piszczek of Borussia Dortmund during the Champions League round of 16 second leg match. The match is played behind closed doors as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain is challenged by Lukasz Piszczek of Borussia Dortmund during the Champions League round of 16 second leg match. The match is played behind closed doors as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19
Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain is challenged by Lukasz Piszczek of Borussia Dortmund during the Champions League round of 16 second leg match. The match is played behind closed doors as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19
Birighton's Premier League fixture with Arsenal at the Amex this Saturday is due to go ahead but the spread of coronavirus around the world is having a major impact on the football calendar.

Manchester City's match against Arsenal was the first Premier League casualty and sporting fixtures across Europe have been postponed or played behind closed doors.

Here's how the events have unfolded.

January 30 - China's domestic football season - including its lucrative Super League - is postponed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Arsenal players are in self isolation ahead of the match against BrightonArsenal players are in self isolation ahead of the match against Brighton
Arsenal players are in self isolation ahead of the match against Brighton

February 4 - Asian Champions League matches involving Chinese clubs Guangzhou Evergrande, Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG, are postponed until April.

February 13 - Manchester United's new signing Odion Ighalo trains away from the club as a precautionary measure following his arrival from China.

February 23 - Serie A matches in the northern Italian regions of Lombardy and Veneto are postponed, along with matches in the lower leagues.

February 25 - Five Serie A matches, including Juventus at home to Inter Milan, are ordered to be played behind closed doors. Japan's J-League is suspended.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

February 29 - The five Serie A matches due to be played in empty stadiums are called off at short notice. They are rescheduled for Wednesday, May 13, with the Coppa Italia final moved back a week to May 20.

March 1 - Sampdoria v Verona is postponed.

March 3 - The Italian Cup semi-final second leg between Juventus and AC Milan in Turin is called off. The return leg of the other last-four tie, between Napoli and Inter Milan, is also postponed.

March 5 - The Premier League bans pre-match handshakes. It is also announced that Valencia's Champions League last-16 tie at home to Atalanta, on March 10, will be played behind closed doors.

March 6 - In France, Paris St Germain's fixture at Strasbourg is postponed.

Hide Ad