It is a dramatic decision for the sports world. In Italy, all sporting events will be canceled by April. The government decided on Monday evening.
Rome (dpa) - Due to the spread of the corona virus, Italy suspends all sporting events in the country until April 3. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Monday.
This means that the Italian Serie A will also cease its gaming operations for the time being. The Italian Olympic Committee (Coni) had previously requested a corresponding measure.
On Monday evening, the Italian government simultaneously extended bans and restrictions on freedom of movement across the country. The country is fighting a rapidly increasing number of people infected and killed by Covid-19 lung disease. In the meantime, almost 10,000 people have contracted it, and more than 460 have died. The new regulation should apply from Tuesday.
"Health protection is everyone's priority," said Coni boss Giovanni Malagò. The Coni is the umbrella organization for all sports associations in Italy, including the football association. The announcement said the decision did not include international competitions for clubs or national teams because Coni did not have oversight. Juventus Turin, Naples and Atalanta Bergamo still play in the Champions League, Inter Milan and AS Roma in the Europa League.
The virus outbreak also has a dramatic impact on the Italian football league. Games were played on the weekend without an audience. Minister of Sport Vincenzo Spadafora described the Serie A decision to continue playing despite the expansion of Sars-CoV-2 as "irresponsible".
In Italy, several games have been postponed or held in front of empty ranks since the end of February, including the top game on Sunday between champions Juventus Turin and Inter Milan. The Italian association has announced a crisis meeting for Tuesday.
On Monday, the Italian ski association Fisi immediately suspended all activities due to the massive outbreak of the novel corona virus. In addition to competitions and travel by athletes, the training sessions were also canceled - and at every competition level. Athletes who are already at competition venues or who are still fighting for the overall ranking or special ratings may still contest them.
Communication Coni