Italy halts all sporting events due to COVID-19

Tuesday, 10 March 2020 10:41

All sporting events in Italy have been suspended until April 3 due to concerns over COVID-19.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced the decision on Monday just a few hours before declaring a countrywide lockdown to tackle the spread of the coronavirus.

However, there is the possibility of holding matches under international jurisdiction behind closed doors, such as football games in UEFA's Champions League and Europa League.

Italy has been one of the countries worst hit by COVID-19 so far, with over 9,000 confirmed cases and 463 deaths.

More from Sports News

Afghanistan seal 2027 World Cup berth, West Indies to go through qualifiers again

Afghanistan secured automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup with a win over Ireland on Monday, leaving twice champions West Indies to go through qualifiers for the third successive edition of the 50-overs tournament.
Rain in Montreal forces Canadian Open to reschedule men's quarter-finals

Rain has forced the cancellation of two Canadian Open men's quarter-finals scheduled for Monday in Montreal, tournament organisers said.
Swiatek cruises past Shnaider to reach Canadian Open semi-finals

Iga Swiatek has swept past Diana Shnaider 6-2 6-1 on Monday to reach the Canadian Open semi-finals, where the Pole will face Elina Svitolina after the Ukrainian rallied past Ekaterina Alexandrova in Toronto.
UEFA, AFC, CONCACAF hit out at Infantino over World Cup stake sale

European football's governing body UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF issued an open letter on Monday attacking FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's conduct during the proposed sale of a stake in World Cup commercial rights.
Malawi book first-ever place at Women's World Cup

Malawi has continued its fairytale debut at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, coming from behind to beat Ghana 2-1 in Sunday’s last quarter-final, which also secured them a spot in the World Cup for the first time.