Wolverhampton Wanderers have seen their request to UEFA rejected as they look to postpone tomorrow’s match against Olympiacos in the Europa Leauge.
The club has released a statement ahead of the last-16 first-leg game, stating that travelling to Athens to play Olympiacos is an “unnecessary risk” due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Despite this, they say they will oblige with UEFA and play the game, but they ultimately suggest that “there are some things that are more important than football”.
The full statement on Wolves’ club website said: “Wolves can confirm that a formal request submitted to UEFA proposing the postponement of Thursday’s Europa League tie at Olympiakos has been rejected by the governing body.
“The match will take place, behind closed doors, in line with the Greek government’s enforced temporary suspension of spectators attending sporting events, to limit the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) in Greece.
“Our position is that the trip poses an unnecessary risks to our players, staff, supporters and the families of all who travel, at such critical and uncertain times.
“Our concern is also for our opponents, whose players and staff have today been tested, and will now be expected to play their part in an important fixture, under the difficult and challenging circumstances of their owner suffering with the virus.
“There is also disappointment that the match will be played without home and away supporters, as that is part of what makes European competition so special, as well as the fact our fans have already contended with similar obstacles on our Europa League journey already this season.
“We believe that there are some things that are more important than football, and that the good health of our pack and the general public is one of them. However, we respect the decision of UEFA and the integrity of the competition, and we will travel tomorrow to Greece to play the fixture.
“We hope that our request to UEFA, and our acceptance of their decision, can act as the catalyst for them to consider alternative options moving forwards, as this will not be the last fixture to be affected by coronavirus.”
How will Wolverhampton Wanderers fare against Olympiacos?
Win
Draw
With the rate that coronavirus is spreading and impacting sport, it is leaving huge uncertainty for many tournaments and clubs who, of course, rely on revenue to keep going.
All sport in Italy has been suspended until at least April 3, while Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marikanis has tested positive for the virus.
It’s an interesting development considering that Arsenal and Manchester City’s game has been postponed due to Arsenal’s players coming in contact with the chairman 13 days ago.
However, it has been confirmed that all of Olympiacos’ players and staff are clear from the virus after being tested.
The game will be played behind closed doors due to the policy from the Greek government which will temporarily suspend spectators going to sporting events for the next few weeks.
With Spanish side Getafe asking UEFA to find an alternative to playing in Milan for their upcoming game against Inter, it makes you wonder how long it will be until this scenario starts improving, and how long the governing bodies, clubs and players will be able to go on before having to halt it all.
It’s a heartbreaker for Wolves fans, who have travelled far and wide to watch their football team in Europe this season. But, as the club says, there are some things which are more important than football – and health is certainly one of them.
