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The International Federation of Professional Footballers has this morning released a statement supporting players and associations who have requested a suspension or postponement of football activities in their countries or regions due to the coronavirus outbreak.

There is growing concern around the continent over the outbreak, with the Premier League now the only one of the big five European leagues not to have confirmed that matches will be played behind closed doors.

The UK Government met with sports bodies on Monday to make preparations for the possibility of matches being played without fans due to the spread of the virus.

And although it was later decided by those in attendance that there was no need for the drastic move just yet, the Government are continuing to monitor the situation.

The spread of the COVID-19 has escalated in the past week, with the amount of cases in the UK rising above 300, with six deaths occurring so far.

Countries like Spain, France and Italy have also been hit hard by the virus, with the FIGC confirming in a statement that Serie A would stop until at least April 3 following a government decree issued on Monday.

While Spain and France set to play behind closed doors because of coronavirus concerns. La Liga announced its ruling will affect the next two rounds of fixtures while the French league said fans will be banned from attending matches until 15 April.

“FIFPRO continues to monitor the consequences of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world and its impact on the professional football industry,” a statement released on Wednesday by FIFPRO read.

“Cross-border travel and attendance in and around games creates a high risk, affecting everyone from spectators and players to match officials and club staff.

“To provide a reliable and clear course of action which puts people and public health we ask authorities and competition organisers to take transparent, reasonable and consistent decisions across the football industry based on government advice.

“Professional footballers, like other workers, are concerned about themselves and their families and friends being exposed to the Coronavirus during their daily lives.

(Image: PA)

“For players their exposure could come during travel, training and match days. Any actions relating to these activities must be coordinated in close cooperation with players and their unions.

“We ask that employers and competition organizers respect the wishes of players to take short-term precautionary measures including suspending training or competitions.

“We support the players and their associations who have requested a suspension or postponement of football activities in their countries or regions.

“As an international industry professional football is heavily affected by this situation in multiple ways.

“Matches behind closed doors and cancellations have a considerable effect on the revenue streams and cash flow of small and medium sized clubs.

“The football industry should therefore consider extraordinary solidarity measures to protect the industry and support clubs in need through, for example, financial assistance or advanced payments.

“As the situation changes, it is important to strengthen coordination amongst international football stakeholders, governments and public health experts in order to take the best possible course of action for our people and our industry.”