Football matches to be played without fans in Portugal

By Fatih Erel

ISTANBUL (AA) - Primeira Liga football matches in Portugal will be played without fans in attendance because of the coronavirus outbreak, the country's football federation announced Tuesday.

There are 41 cases of the virus in Portugal.

As the world struggles to contain the rapidly spreading virus, fallout has forced numerous organizers of sporting events across the globe to cancel or alter plans.

International sporting events were canceled or rescheduled and some will be without spectators as the virus continues to threaten global health.

The global death toll from the virus known as COVID-19 has surpassed 4,000, with nearly 114,000 confirmed cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

- Germany-Italy friendly to be played without fans

Meanwhile, a Germany-Italy friendly match March 31 will be played without spectators.

The virus originated in China but has reached more than 100 countries, with the WHO saying Monday the “threat of a pandemic has become very real.”

As part of efforts to contain the outbreak, some governments closed borders and suspended land and air travel with the worst-hit countries.