MIAMI, Florida, CMC – Continental governing body, CONCACAF, has put an immediate halt to its Champions League, amidst the growing cases of the coronavirus across North America.
The high level club competition entered its quarter-final stage on Tuesday and matches were played up until Wednesday night with America brushing aside Atlanta United FC 3-0 in Mexico City and Tigres UNAL edging New York Red Bulls 1-0 in New Jersey.
But with the National Basketball Association (NBA) suspending its season and the MLS following suit, CONCACAF said it was also taking similar action.
“At CONCACAF the welfare of everyone associated with our matches and competitions is of paramount importance to us,” the governing body said in a statement.
“We have been closely monitoring the public health situation as it has been evolving in the US and across the entire region.
“Given the developments last night, including new guidance issued by countries, cities and states, we have made the decision to suspend the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League with immediate effect.
“We are continuing to discuss arrangements for other upcoming CONCACAF competitions and will make a further public statement in due course.”
Los Angeles FC was set to host Cruz Azul last night to round out the first leg of the quarter-final stage. Second leg matches were scheduled to be played on March 17-18.
The semi-finals and final were scheduled to be played next month.
The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has already infected 1,215 people in the United States and resulted in 36 deaths.