Sports games in Greece to take place behind closed doors for two weeks

All sporting events in Greece will take place behind closed doors for the next two weeks as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the Ministry of Health has confirmed following an emergency meeting.

Next weekend, the 2019/2020 Super League playoffs are due to begin, however these following matches will now take place with no supporters inside the arenas:

• Aris - OFI (March 14, 19:30*)
• AEK - Panathinaikos (March 15, 19:30)
• PAOK - Olympiacos (March 15, 19:30)
• Panathinaikos - PAOK (March 21, 19:30)
• OFI - AEK (March 22, 17:15)
• Olympiacos - Aris (March 22, 19:30)

*All times local

According to reports in the media, the number of coronavirus cases in Greece has increased to over 70, with the state subsequently deciding to take drastic action in order to prevent that figure from taking a large rise. The virus initially broke out in China before it subsequently rapidly spread across the globe.

The decision also affects the UEFA Europa League battle between Olympiacos and Wolverhampton Wanderers which is scheduled to be held in Piraeus on Thursday.

Olympiacos, who didn’t expect such major measures to be taken already, have almost sold all of their tickets for the Round of 16 match. In accordance with the regulations in place, UEFA will make the final call whether to stage the game at the Karaiskakis Stadium with spectators, with the decision expected to be made on Monday.

More developments are expected in the coming days as the situation progresses.

by Shaun Nicolaides

*For more sports head to AGONASport