Seoul (dpa) - Because of the outbreak of the novel corona virus, the start of the season has now been postponed in South Korean football. All games in the first and second leagues are affected by the decision, said a spokesman for the K-League in Seoul.
The first two to four game days should be canceled. "If the situation doesn't improve because of the corona virus, it can be longer," said the spokesman.
The new K-League 1 season, which includes twelve teams, should actually start next weekend. Last Friday, the K-League had already decided to postpone two scheduled matches in the southeast. So far, most cases of infection have been recorded there. To date, more than 830 people across the country have been reported. The government announced the highest warning level for infectious diseases on Sunday.
According to reports from the national news agency Yonhap, league board members also suggested shortening the season in South Korea in the event that the situation does not improve soon. The season opener in China had previously been canceled due to the lung disease Covid-19.
According to the spokesman, the K-League also suggested to the Asian Football Association (AFC) that the Asian Champions League group games scheduled for March in South Korea should take place without spectators. Four South Korean teams are represented in the group stage, including K-League champion Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and FC Seoul.
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