UEFA announce two games to be played behind closed doors

UEFA have confirmed that two of next week’s Champions League and Europa League fixtures will be played behind closed doors as part of measures to contain the coronavirus.

The Champions League last-16 second leg between Valencia and Atalanta in Spain next Tuesday is one of the affected fixtures, while Inter Milan’s home match against Getafe next Thursday in the Europa League will be the second to be played without spectators in attendance.

Both Inter and Atalanta are northern Italian clubs, a region which has been among the most affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

The decision comes after an Italian government decree released on Wednesday night said all sporting events in the country would not be open to the public until 3 April in an attempt to halt the spread of Covid-19.

In a statement, European football’s governing body said: “Following decisions taken by the relevant authorities in Italy and Spain respectively, and related to measures regarding the COVID-19 virus, the following upcoming UEFA club competition matches will go ahead next week as scheduled, but will be played behind closed doors:

“UEFA Champions League, Round of 16, second leg: Valencia CF (Spain) – Atalanta BC (Italy), 10 March, 21.00CET.

“UEFA Europa League, Round of 16, first leg: FC Internazionale Milano (Italy) – Getafe CF (Spain), 12 March, 21.00CET.

“UEFA Youth League matches which are scheduled to take place in Italy next week will also be played behind closed doors, in accordance with decisions taken by the Italian authorities.

“Any further update regarding other UEFA competition matches will be published on UEFA.com in due course.”

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