Coronavirus: UEFA calls off EURO 2020 for one year

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - European football's governing body UEFA postponed the EURO 2020 for one year due to the spread of the coronavirus across the globe.

The tournament was supposed to take place in June 12-July 12 in 12 European countries.

The decision for the delay was announced on Tuesday after a videoconference meeting held by UEFA to discuss European competitions, including UEFA EURO 2020, in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

"UEFA today announced the postponement of its flagship national team competition, UEFA EURO 2020, due to be played in June and July this year. The health of all those involved in the game is the priority, as well as to avoid placing any unnecessary pressure on national public services involved in staging matches," the UEFA said on its website.

"The proposed new dates are 11 June to 11 July 2021," it stated.

Separately UEFA halted this season's UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches.

"All UEFA competitions and matches (including friendlies) for clubs and national teams for both men and women have been put on hold until further notice," it said.

"We are at the helm of a sport that vast numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible and fast-moving opponent. It is at times like these, that the football community needs to show responsibility, unity, solidarity and altruism," UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said about the decision.

COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China last December, and has spread to at least 152 countries and territories. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a pandemic.

Out of 186,500 confirmed cases, the death toll now exceeds 7,400, while over 80,500 patients have recovered, according to Worldometer, a website that compiles new case numbers.

The current number of active cases is more than 98,600 -- 93% mild and 7% in critical condition.