UEFA postpones next week's CL, Europa League ties

Nyon (Switzerland): The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) on Friday announced that it has postponed next week's Champions League and Europa League matches in the wake of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

"In the light of developments due to the spread of COVID-19 in Europe and related decisions made by different governments, all UEFA club competitions matches scheduled next week are postponed," said the UEFA in its statement.

"This includes the remaining UEFA Champions League, Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020; all UEFA Europa League, Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 19 March 2020; all UEFA Youth League, quarter-final matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020."

Additionally, it also said that the Champions League and Europa League quarter-final draws which were scheduled to be held on March 20 has been postponed.

"Further decisions on when these matches take place will be communicated in due course. As a consequence of the postponements, the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League quarter-final draws scheduled for 20 March have also been postponed," said the UEFA.

The decision comes in the wake of several players and club officials testing positive for coronavirus.

Juventus player Daniele Rugani tested positive after which the entire squad was placed under quarantine.

13-time Champions League winners Real Madrid have placed their players and staff under quarantine after a basketball player from the club tested positive while Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi have all tested positive for the rapidly spreading disease.