THE start of the Chinese Super League season has been postponed because of the deadly coronavirus.
At least 170 people have been killed by the virus gripping China.
The Super League, which features former Premier League stars such as Yaya Toure, Marouane Fellaini and Oscar, was due to run from February 22.
But a new starting date has not been announced amid the crisis.
In a statement, the China Football Association said their move to postpone the start of the season was taken to help with the “prevention and control of the pneumonia epidemic of the new coronavirus infection, and to protect the health of the majority of fans, media, players, coaches, game officials, clubs and district staff”.
The statement added: “The Chinese Football Association will continue to maintain close communication with national authorities, determine the timing of each season’s events in combination with the actual development of the epidemic situation and make reasonable adjustments to the system, schedule, and scale of some events when necessary.
“Relevant information will be released in time through the official channels of the CFA.
“On behalf of the majority of football workers across the country, the Chinese Football Association pays deep tribute to all medical workers and staff who are currently struggling in the frontline of epidemic prevention and control!”
More to follow.
