Coronavirus: ISL Final set to be played behind close doors

The match is scheduled to take place on March 14 in Goa.

Amidst rising numbers of coronavirus affected in India, the ISL final match between ATK and Chennaiyin FC is set be played behind closed doors, the league has confirmed. While the virus has affected a number of sportspersons in the world till now, which has prompted a number of matches to be played behind closed doors, this will be the first case in India where a sporting event is going to be without spectators.

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Earlier in the month, as many as three FIFA World Cup Qualifier games of India till June was postponed by Asian Football Confederations and FIFA in the wake of coronavirus outbreak across the world. The Government of India have also decided to put the travel bans on foreign nationals until in between March 13 and April 15 this year.

In a recent advisory regarding the coronavirus outbreak, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports have directed that all sporting events to be played behind closed doors before further notice, which will affect the ISL final as well.

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However, the match will be telecast live on Star Sports, Hotstar and Jio TV. Added to that, the organizers of the ISL, the Football Sports Development Ltd have also revealed that they will soon initiate the process of ticket refunds and an announcement will be made through Hero ISL channels

In Italy, all the sporting events are cancelled till April 3 whereas in Spain and England the respective football leagues will be played behind closed doors if media reports are to be believed.