Coronavirus casts potential cloud over Euro 2020 with 100 days to go

This Wednesday marks 100 days to go until start of Euro 2020, but as preparations are fine-tuned for first European Championship to be played across continent, coronavirus outbreak could pose a potentially serious threat to tournament itself. decision to st second 24-team Euros in 12 different cities in 12 different nations, from as far apart as Baku to Dublin and Glasgow to Rome, was certainly an ambitious move. UEFA say all venues and transport links are rey, that demand for tickets is through roof, and re are obvious security worries. Except for coronavirus outbreak, with its unkwn potential consequences, which could cast a show over entire event.

Most matches in Italy's Serie A were called off at weekend with country hardest hit by outbreak in Europe, with 52 deaths and more than 2,000 cases as of Monday. Meanwhile, neighbouring Switzerland -- with 24 confirmed cases -- on Monday anunced postponement of all games in its top two divisions until end of March.

" health of persons is much more important than any football game," insisted FIFA president Gianni Infanti at weekend.

"I think we all hope that this can be contained, but of course we will take vice, but it's got to be health first, sport second," Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford told UK's Press Association. Wales are due to play Italy in Rome at Euros.

coronavirus crisis was raised at an executive committee meeting of European football's governing body in Amsterdam on Monday, but UEFA is remaining calm over possible repercussions for Euro 2020.

"UEFA is in touch with relevant international and local authorities regarding Coronavirus and its development," it told AFP.

"For moment, re is need to change anything in planned timetable. issue will be kept under constant scrutiny."

opening match is due to take place in Rome on Friday, June 12, with Italy facing Turkey. UEFA says it has received more than 28 million requests for match tickets, a figure it says is more than double number for Euro 2016. However, if outbreak continues to spre, some fans may think twice about travelling to games, even if everything is rey to welcome m. Of 12 venues, only Puskas Arena in Budapest has been newly built, stium in Hungarian capital officially opening in vember. Wembley in London will be venue for semi-finals and final.

How favourites are shaping up

On field, carrot of playing in final on home turf is dangling over England, with Gareth Southgate's side among tournament favourites. y were hugely impressive in qualifying, but since n injuries and a loss of form to key players have raised some doubts. Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford could miss rest of season with ir clubs due to long-term hamstring and back injuries respectively, while Raheem Sterling has yet to score in 2020.

Southgate, who will attend draw for next UEFA Nations League in Amsterdam on Tuesday, also has a big call to make in goal with Everton's Jordan Pickford struggling for form. One of few leing nations who will t host matches, World Cup holders France also have problems, with Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante's season tably ravd by injuries. France are in same group as Germany, who are hoping to bounce back from ir 2018 World Cup disaster with a squ that has been considerably freshened up.

While Spain look to rediscover form that allowed m to win back to back Euros in 2008 and 2012, holders Portugal will hope to get one last song out of 35-year-old Cristia Ronaldo. Meanwhile, Belgium and a rejuvenated Nerlands -- who will play group games in Amsterdam -- may fancy ir chances of going all way. Of 24 qualifying spots, last four will be decided by Nations League play-offs later this month.

Im credits: AP