Inter match to be played without fans, other UEFA games unaffected

Zurich (Reuters): Inter Milan’s Europa League match at home to Ludogorets Razgrad will be played behind closed doors on Thursday because of the coronavirus outbreak but all other European competition matches across the continent will be unaffected, UEFA said on Wednesday.

One more death and 52 new cases of the virus in Italy were reported on Wednesday, all in the north, while nations around Europe reported additional infections linked to the Italian flare-up. The death toll in Italy now stands at 12.

The Italian government has banned all sports events in six regions up to and including Sunday, although top-flight Serie A soccer matches can be played behind closed doors.

“Following the decisions of the Italian authorities, the UEFA Europa League match between Inter Milan and Ludogorets Razgrad will be played behind closed doors at the Stadio San Siro,” European soccer governing body UEFA said in a statement.

Inter said it would close the hospitality areas and media areas and there would be no news conferences for the last 32, second leg tie against the Bulgarian side. Inter lead 2-0.