Leeds United's trip to Cardiff City to go ahead as planned confirm EFL amid coronavirus outbreak

Leeds United’s Championship clash with Cardiff City will go ahead as planned this weekend amid the coronavirus outbreak, the EFL has confirmed.

The Whites make the trip to South Wales on Sunday lunchtime in league action as Marcelo Bielsa’s side continue their quest for Premier League football.

Reports had suggested that games this weekend across England could follow several European leagues and take place behind closed doors or even be suspended amid the ongoing global health crisis.

Serie A in Italy and La Liga in Spain have both been suspended while the Bundesliga in Germany will see the majority of games played without fans in attendance.

Premier League outfit Leicester City confirmed yesterday that three players were in self-isolation after several members of Brendan Rodgers’ squad showed symptoms of the virus.

In addition, Manchester City’s home game against Arsenal on Wednesday night was also postponed and several Gunners players were put in self-isolation after Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis contracted coronavirus.

Arsenal said Marinakis – who also owns United’s Championship rivals Nottingham Forest – met a number of their players when the Gunners hosted the Greek side in a Europa League match two weeks ago.

The EFL, though, has confirmed that following the latest advice from the government matches due to take place this coming weekend will be unaffected.

An EFL statement read: “In light of today’s announcement by the UK Government, EFL matches will continue to take place as normal while the guidance from the relevant authorities remains that there is no medical rationale to close or cancel sporting events at this time.

“The EFL, however, will continue to work with Government and relevant stakeholders to further develop contingency plans to ensure the League is best placed to act as and when any potential restrictions may come into force.

“Immediately following the announcement by the Prime Minister, EFL Chair Rick Parry held discussions with the FA and Premier League and agreed on a consistent approach ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures.

“Matters will be further discussed at a meeting called by European Football’s Governing body, UEFA, on Tuesday 17 March.

“The League will continue to liaise with the Government regarding ongoing developments and will continue to work with clubs to ensure players, staff and supporters are updated and appraised accordingly.

“These matters are, of course, subject to change and we will update as appropriate.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson did confirm that the government was considering banning sporting events in future, but admitted it was a measure that didn’t need to be undertaken just yet.

“We are considering banning major public events like sporting fixtures,” he said.

“The scientific advice is this has little effect on the spread – but it does place a burden on other public services.

“We are guided by the science; there is no medical reason at the moment to ban such events.

“We are not saying no to that sort of measure, we are keeping it up our sleeves. But it is very, very important in order to maximise our interventions that we get the timing right.”

Reports last night suggested Euro 2020 will be postponed until next year.