All sport in Italy has been suspended until April 3.
The coronavirus’ continued spread through Northern Italy has seen a number of games in recent weeks postponed, with those going ahead being played behind closed doors.
On Monday afternoon though Italy’s Olympic Committee met and took the decision to suspend all sport in the country until April.
After three chaotic weekends of Serie A, it had seemed as though things would continue behind closed doors until the Italian Players’ Association were set to call a strike in order to protect the players’ health.
A meeting had been set for Tuesday in order to make a decision, but now the Olympic Committee have taken the decision out of Lega Serie A and the FIGC’s hands.
However, the Committee have no jurisdiction on international competitions – neither for club nor international sides.
The turn of events comes after Italy’s sports minister, Vincenzo Spadafora had thrown his support behind the idea of bringing Serie A to a stop.
“I share the views of Damiano Tommasi [president of the Italian Players’ Association] and I unite with his call to suspend the football league,” Spadafora said on Sunday morning.
“Other federations have wisely opted to stop for the next few days.
“It makes no sense right now. As we’re asking for huge sacrifices of our citizens to prevent the spread of the virus, to put the health of players, referees, coaches and fans who will get together to watch the games.”
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com