UEFA INTEND TO make a “last-minute decision” on all upcoming club and international fixtures with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak increasingly influencing sporting events across Europe.
Speaking after today’s annual UEFA congress in Amsterdam, General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis insisted they were liaising with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and respective governments on the growing issue.
Last week, upon the advice of the Italian authorities, UEFA ordered the Europa League match between Inter Milan and Ludogorets to be played behind closed doors.
As Switzerland have banned public gatherings of over 1,000 people, all their football fixtures are postponed for at least another three weeks. With cases now reported in Vienna and Prague, the spotlight is shifting towards Ireland’s European Championship play-off in nearby Slovakia.
The semi-final on 26 March is due to be held in Bratislava but the match could be played at am empty Tehelné Pole Stadium.
Another possibility is the fixture being switched to a different country, a risk assessment also likely to be conducted on the other seven play-off semi-finals that day.
Should Ireland progress, they will play either Bosnia Herzegovina or Northern Ireland in the final on 31 March for a place in the finals they will jointly host. Uefa yesterday established a working group to deal with contingencies for fixture postponements.
“We have been working on different scenarios,” explained Theodoridis. “Don’t forget the European finals do not start until June but there are different scenarios for the more urgent matches that are coming in two weeks’ time.
“There are plans for everything. It will be case-by-case and it will be a last-minute decision very close to the date of the matches.”
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin didn’t want to contemplate uncertainty engulfing the first ever multi-city European Championships, starting on 12 June.
“Let’s try to be optimistic and not think about dark scenarios,” pleaded the Slovenian.
“We already have security and political instability concerns from hosting games in 12 countries and now one of those concerns is a virus. We are confident we can deal with it.”
Meanwhile, German Football Federation official Rainer Koch was elected by congress to succeed John Delaney on UEFA’s executive committee.
Delaney’s position on the powerful board, which commanded a €160,000 top-up on his €360,000 salary at the FAI, came under fire following the wave of controversy he attracted last year.
After the former chief executive was placed on gardening leave in April, he left the FAI in September. Although he had been stood down from his UEFA duties from May, it wasn’t until two months ago that he finally vacated that post.
Proceedings will later today move onto the draw for the next UEFA Nations League groups. Mick McCarthy is attending, even though it will be Stephen Kenny in charge of the six matches from September to November.
Ireland will be part of a four-nation group in Pot B. The draw starts at 5pm Irish time.
They won’t be happy with that, the same people who insisted on transporting their animals to races in England during the Foot and Mouth crisis……….
@Sean Higgins: racing was cancelled in England during the Foot & Mouth
@Michael Mcloughlin: ssssh some people don’t like facts
@Sean Higgins: Cheltenham was cancelled that year
@Michael Mcloughlin: Aintree and other meetings went ahead during the Foot and Mouth crisis in 2001
@Sean Higgins: Check your facts
Horse racing is cruel and barbaric. Should be banned permanently.
@Chin Feeyin: what would the horses do if there was no racing?
@Chin Feeyin: The horses are taken care of better than yourself
@Chin Feeyin: there’s always one
@Chin Feeyin: you probably ate a horse burger though.
@Chin Feeyin: Clueless.
@Chin Feeyin: are
@Chin Feeyin: Are you confused with greyhound racing
@Chin Feeyin: Completely agree. Animals shouldn’t be used for our entertainment. It’s cruel.
@Daniel Howard: but its not cruel to slaughter animals and eat them?
@Daniel Howard: What about your pet husky in your picture. Should you be allowed have him as your pet for your entertainment? Perhaps you should return your dog to the wild in Siberia
@Chin Feeyin: take a day off
Bout time
Never forget Cheltenham 2020
@Mossy: I surely won’t. Lost me feckin bollox
@Luap: That’s the best news live heard this week
@Mossy: ya it was good alright, Al Boom Photo doing back to back Gold Cups was excellent, shame the Champion Chase fell apart
The only sport in the world that would disintegrate if it wasn’t for betting.
@Davy Evans: what about the world of marble racing
It’s an ill wind but great news.
The bookies are closed so no sense having horseracing
@George Demo: there is online betting
@George Demo: nothing to do with it whatsoever.
It was only happening to prop up the online betting market. It’s not like there were hordes of people watching it on TV. Only limping along to serve the gambling lobby.
Good, about time.
Why are they closing the golf courses
On line betting
About time. Put health for all over money and betting
About feckin’ time!!!
Another disaster day s tipping for ruby walsh oh hold on he s working for paddy power he s doing a good job so .good value for what paddy power pay him to do.
STATEMENT ISSUED AT 5.20pm – TUESDAY 24th MARCH 2020
Following the recent announcements by the UK and Irish Governments in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, the GUI and ILGU recommend that all golf clubs, practice facilities and courses across the island close with immediate effect until April 19th 2020.
While golf is an outdoor sport that allows players to exercise in the fresh air, the message is clear. People must stay at home to help to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The Unions recognise the need clubs may have for business support at this time. We will monitor options available and engage with the relevant sporting bodies in due course to make representations for our member clubs.
We know that these decisions are difficult ones to make, but right now, it is our shared responsibility to prioritise the health of our local communities by working together to follow the respective Government guidelines. In doing so, this will ensure that we get the opportunity to play the game that we all love as soon as it is safe to do so.
For security and essential maintenance purposes, greenkeeping staff can still attend work.
All work must be carried out in strict accordance with government guidelines on physical (social) distancing. Clubs should divide course staff into two teams where possible and if one becomes unavailable, the other team will still be okay to work.
You will appreciate that this is a very fluid situation with new developments almost daily. We will continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities, and will ensure that our clubs are kept informed as to recommended best practice at all times.
@Cowboy Paddy:
What is the point of this? We have building sites open with 1000+ people on site working closely and they thing a few guys (who observe social distancing) outside could spread this.
This is a reaction to the stupid Boris Johnson, do nothing and then go way over the top… UK is a mess and the reason they banned Golf is because they brought down the max meeting to 2. Yes the guys who had a massive party on Saturday to close the pubs.
Why are we listening to these idiots…
@Cowboy Paddy: well you’re clearly not.
@Verandah: it’s Ivan Yeats incognito. Let the wild bollix have his rant.
@Cowboy Paddy: ejit
Golf ??
The bookies are closed so no sense having Horse racing
@George Demo: I wonder have the bookies closed yet?
@Logan Shepherd: last week
When are they closing the bookies?
@Biscuits Patinkin: all bookies shops have been closed since last week so what do you mean?
The bookies are closed so no sense having horseracing
@George Demo: are the bookies closed yet?
@Chin Feeyin: closed since last week!
Imagine there’s no horsies, it’s easy if you try. No horse below us, above up only sky. Continue with own lyrics until you’re on the floor.
Parasites. All subsidies €100M+ a year to this so-called industry should stop forthwith. #cheltenhamshame
Chin eat your husky you mog