UEFA confirm Champions League and Europa League matches postponed

 

UEFA have confirmed that all Champions League and Europa League matches scheduled to be played next week have been postponed. 

 

With Coronavirus gripping the world, the governing body have elected to delay next week's action, where Chelsea were due to face Bayern Munich and Barcelona had been expected to take on Napoli. 

 

Manchester City and Real Madrid are now in a period of self-isolation after players had shown signs of Coronavirus, while Juventus defender Daniele Rugani tested positive for the virus earlier this week. 

 

 

"In the light of developments due to the spread of COVID-19 in Europe and related decisions made by different governments, all UEFA club competitions matches scheduled next week are postponed," a statement read by UEFA.

 

"This includes the remaining UEFA Champions League, Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020; all UEFA Europa League, Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 19 March 2020; all UEFA Youth League, quarter-final matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020. 

 

"Further decisions on when these matches take place will be communicated in due course. 

 

"As a consequence of the postponements, the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League quarter-final draws scheduled for 20 March have also been postponed. 

 

"UEFA yesterday invited representatives of its 55 member associations, together with the boards of the European Club Association and the European Leagues and a representative of FIFPro, to a videoconference meeting on Tuesday 17 March to discuss European football’s response to the outbreak."