FIFPro note increased concerns” as professional players test positive for Coronavirus, calling for UEFA to consider “health protection, financial support mechanisms and consolidated future planning with regards to the football calendar.”

There have now been two Serie A players who have contracted Coronavirus, Juventus defender Daniele Rugani and Sampdoria striker Manolo Gabbiadini.

Numerous leagues have been suspended, including in Spain, Portugal, Holland, Belgium, the Czech Republic and United States of America, with others playing games behind closed doors.

“Since yesterday we can see increasing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on public life, business and sport. The measures taken include further travel restrictions on national and international levels as well as additional limitations on business operations,” read the statement from FIFPro, the union of professional football players.

“As the first professional players test positive for COVID-19, we continue consultations with our member unions, members of the FIFPRO Global Player Council and player unions from different sports. It is evident that concerns of players regarding ongoing competitions, their personal health and general match day operations have increased significantly.

“FIFPRO fully supports players and their unions in their right to stop playing in the current environment and calls on the relevant authorities to protect players through harmonized decisions on still ongoing competitions as soon as possible. As the situation is subject to rapid development, all decisions require constant assessment.

“As well as constant communication with players and player associations, FIFPRO is in dialogue with confederations, clubs and leagues. We will participate in a meeting on Tuesday with UEFA, ECA and European Leagues with a view to agreeing to a united response to the pandemic by the European football industry.

“On behalf of players in Europe, the joint assessment will need to consider further health protection, financial support mechanisms and consolidated future planning with regards to the football calendar. We strongly advocate for similar international coordination effort across confederations at FIFA level.”

It’s widely reported now that UEFA will announce Euro 2020 is postponed until next summer, giving time for the various domestic leagues to finish their seasons.