35 Percent Of Valencia's Squad Positive For COVID-19

Valencia (Twitter @valenciacf)

JAKARTA - Spanish club Valencia said more than a third of their players and staff had tested positive for COVID-19 or the corona virus. However, all of these cases are currently asymptomatic.

The club had reported five cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday, with Argentine players Ezequiel Garay and France's Eliaquim Mangala claiming they were among those who contracted the virus.

"Several further tests for COVID-19 among Valencia coaching staff and players have returned positive," Valencia said in a statement on the club's official website.

Valencia traveled to Milan last month for a Champions League tie against Atalanta, which was played in front of a crowd packed into the San Siro Stadium. The match takes place before restrictions are imposed on sporting events in Italy, the European country hardest hit.

"Despite the strict measures adopted by the clubs after their Champions League matches, these latest results suggest match-related exposure has led to an average positive test result of around 35 per cent," Valencia added.

"All cases are asymptomatic and those involved are currently isolated at home, receiving medical examinations and carrying out their scheduled exercise plans."

The flu-like virus has wiped out the international sports calendar, with the top five football leagues of Europe, England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France. Likewise the Champions League and Europa League have all been suspended.

Previously, last week, Real Madrid quarantined their players because the Real Madrid basketball team tested positive for the corona virus. It is known that the main basketball and football teams share the same training facilities.

The corona virus has infected nearly 180 thousand people and killed more than 7 thousand worldwide.