KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: All Spanish league matches for the next two weeks must be played behind closed doors by government order in the attempt to retard the spread of coronavirus.

Spain is thus following the lead of France but neither have yet contemplated following the example of neighbouring Italy and calling off sports events altogether.

The Spanish league said Tuesday that matches in the first and second divisions will be played without fans for at least two weeks. It would thus “follow recommendations and/or decisions, prioritizing the health of fans, players, club employees, journalists, etc., due to the COVID-19 health crisis.”

On Monday Spain’s health minister announced a sharp spike in coronavirus cases in and around Madrid, and said all schools in the region will close for two weeks from Wednesday. There were more than 1,200 confirmed cases in Spain on Monday, with 28 deaths and 74 people in intensive care.

In France all Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 soccer matches until April 15 will be played without spectators after the government banned gatherings of more than 1,000 in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected over 1,400 and killed 30.

An LFP statement said: “This decision is in strict application of the ministerial order published on March 10.”

Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 return leg against between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund will be played behind closed doors. So will next week’s second round return in Spain between Barcelona and Napoli.

In Europe . . . 

Austria – all outdoor events of more than 500 people to be cancelled; likely to see matches moved behind closed doors based on LASK verdict for game against Manchester United

Belgium – no action taken regarding matches, banned autographs and handshakes for players with fans

Bosnia – next two rounds of top division to be behind closed doors

Bulgaria – matches to be staged behind closed doors

Czech Rep – matches set be staged behind closed doors.

England – no action taken on matches, pre-match handshakes abolished

Denmark – no action taken on matches, Brondby quarantined 13 people including a player as former international Thomas Kahlenberg, who was at their last match, contracted Covid-19

France – all Ligue 1 matches behind closed doors or with 1,000 people or less until April 15

Germany – For first time in the history of the Bundesliga matches are to take place behind closed doors

Greece – next two rounds of Greek Super League play-offs behind closed doors

Italy – all football matches suspended until at least April 3 following government order

Netherlands – no action taken, all matches remain publicly accessible

Poland – all top-flight matches set to be played behind closed doors

Portugal – set to be limited to 5,000 or less supporters, alternative being discussed is playing behind closed doors

Rep. Ireland – no action taken, pre-match handshakes abolished

Russia – no action taken, also rejected the suggestion of banning pre-match handshakes

Scotland – no action taken, clubs assessing insurance policies

Spain – all LaLiga games behind closed doors for the next two weeks

Switzerland – Swiss football league suspended until at least March 23

Only Liverpool’s game with Atletico Madrid, Manchester City’s visit from Real Madrid and RB Leipzig against Tottenham Hotspur are slated to allow supporters entry into the stadium.

Switzerland was among the first countries to take decisive action following the outbreak of the virus as all matches in the Swiss top division were suspended until at least March 23.

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