09 Mar Coronavirus halts Australia’s path to 2022 World Cup

Australia’s upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been postponed due to coronavirus.

The Socceroos’ matches against Kuwait on March 26, Nepal on March 31, Taiwan on June 4 and Jordan on June 9 will now be rescheduled to a later date.

FIFA said in a statement: “Following consultation with Asia’s member associations, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have agreed to postpone the upcoming Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

“FIFA and the AFC will continue to assess the situation in relation to COVID-19 and will decide whether further changes to the schedule of Asian FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers are required, always with the aim of protecting the safety and health of all individuals involved.”

Graham Arnold’s side are currently top of Group B with four wins from as many starts.

Australia will also be competing in this year’s Copa America in June where they will play hosts Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile.

All domestic sport in Italy, including Serie A, has been suspended until April 3 because of coronavirus.

This week’s Champions League second-leg clash between PSG and Borussia Dortmund will be played behind closed doors due to coronavirus fears.