Italian Prime Minister Suspends Serie A Competition Due To COVID-19

JAKARTA - Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte approved the decision of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) to suspend all sporting activities in Italy until April 3. All of Italy has been declared 'on lockdown' following the COVID-19 or corona virus outbreak.

Earlier, the Italian government requested all sporting activities to take place behind closed doors until April, but CONI announced new measures on Monday following a significant increase in cases.

Conte confirmed the CONI decision will take effect. This decision followed the announcement of the suspension of Serie A and all sporting events by the prime minister when he extended restrictions on movement to the entire population of the country, previously only in so-called special "red zones".

With a total of 9,172 Italians infected as of Monday, all public gatherings were also banned other than for work or emergency purposes.

"There is no time left, the numbers tell us there is a significant increase in transmission, in intensive care and in deaths," Conte told a news conference. Launch Soccerway, Tuesday, March 10.

"Our habits have to change, we have to sacrifice something for the good of all of Italy. This is why we are going to take more action.

"I will sign a new decree, which can be concluded with the phrase 'I stay at home.' There are no more red zones, only protected Italy.

"We must avoid traveling except for work reasons, health reasons or other purposes. We prohibit large public gatherings.

"We also have stricter measures for sporting events. Serie A and all sporting tournaments in general are suspended. All fans have to accept that."

It is unclear what this means for Champions League and Europa League matches involving Italian teams. UEFA has not postponed any matches, but it did confirm on Monday Roma's Europa League contest with Sevilla at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 March will be played behind closed doors.

Another UEFA competition, Euro 2020, will kick off in Rome on 12 June. How is her fate? We are waiting for further news.