By now, everybody has heard, read, known or, unfortunately felt, the effects of coronavirus. The disease has created a worldwide impact and football has not been left out of what’s happened.
The biggest effects have come in the Chinese Super League and the Japanese J-League, as both leagues are suspended until further notice due to the high risk of contagion. However, the effects have also been felt in Europe. Some of the top leagues in the world have been impacted by the coronavirus.
This weekend, several Serie A matches were suspended due to health concerns at a governmental level – the biggest one was Inter Milan vs Juventus, a match that could very well turn out to be decisive in the title race. The issue also happened the previous week, meaning the Serie A schedule could turn out to be longer than expected.
With the news of a Serie C player being reportedly infected by the virus, things might only escalate from now in Italy. Other league might soon adopt similar procedures to avoid this from repeating elsewhere.
Other countries have been affected as well. Players are jobless. Teams have had issues to sign players coming from abroad. Some leagues have even talked about potential cancellation plans. The English Premier League have reportedly entertained the idea of stopping the league earlier than expected. That would crown Liverpool as anticipated champions.
Manchester United also had an issue related to the virus. January loanee Odion Ighalo didn’t join the team’s training camp due to the possibility of him being infected. Nothing happened afterwards, however, and the Nigeria international is now playing with the club. He was signed on a six-month loan deal coming from the Chinese Super League.
Even the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers could be at risk, and that’s the best example of what could happen in the future with football as a whole. The sport can’t be the most important thing when consider what’s the future going to hold and when talking about a worldwide disease that could potentially kill thousands of people.
Taking precautions is the way to go. Even if it means to lengthen the football schedule as a direct consequence.
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