What Coronavirus means to global soccer Q&A
We all know that for 2-3 months now Coronavirus has been circulating around the world from Wuhan, China. But how will it affect global soccer?
How did it become this Widespread anyway?
The Coronavirus, or now known as COVID-19, started up in Wuhan, China in Early January. No one knew about it then and many went to China to celebrate Chinese New Year from around the globe, and it started spreading like wildfire. From Canada to Australia to Italy, this disease is HUGE. But how will it affect world soccer?
Let’s start with the news that hit the media yesterday (Feb 27)
Paul Akpan Udoh was confirmed to have COVID-19 yesterday by doctors. He plays for US Pianese in Serie C and his name was released to the media this morning. He played for Juventus, too, scoring 1 goal in 7 appearances over 2 years. He has 5 goals in 23 appearances for Pianese this season.
It has already gotten tragic in Futsal…
Elham Sheykhi, a 23 year old female Iranian Futsal player died of Coronavirus yesterday. She was the starting goalie of both club and country, and is one of the two thousand dead from this virus.
Where is it hitting the most? (excluding China)
Northern Italy. It has already killed 17, and is the third most infected country in the world. In Serie A, 6-7 matches have been postponed, and 5 played behind closed doors, including Juventus’ clash vs Inter on Sunday, that could very well determine the title winner. Everyone will have to watch it on their TV screens. When Barca played Napoli, Barca players got fever checks after getting off the plane. In other places, the start of the Japanese Super League was delayed because of the virus.
What’s happening in China?
In China, the first 6 matchdays (at least) have been postponed. There has also been a mass exodus in China because of COVID-19, including Odion Ighalo to Man U, Fernando to Spartak Moscow, Yannick Carrasco back to Atlético Madrid, Javier Mascherano returning to Argentina and Estudiantes, and Ezequiel Lavezzi deciding that now is the time to retire. I believe that China is the most affected.
Is the Prem being affected?
Liverpool fans, the Coronavirus is the only thing that could stop you from winning the Premier League this year. It was fate. This Coronavirus could wipe out the end of the Prem season, and the FA will have a difficult decision to make. To relegate the teams and give Liverpool the title even though they didn’t play some of their games? Hmm…
How serious is this flu?
The Coronavirus isn’t much different than the flu. It strikes mainly older people, and people and compromised immune systems. But the coronavirus is much more deadly. The Coronavirus has killed 3% of the people it has infected, whilst the flu: only less than .1%. Scientists are finding cures for this disease, but it is a long and grueling process that has, so far come to no aspire.
What can I do to stop myself from getting COVID-19?
There are a few things that you can do to stop yourself from getting the coronavirus. 1: Use hand sanitizer before a meal, but washing your hands is recommended. 2: Try staying away from people who look sick. 3: try not holding onto things that many other people touch (e.g. hand rails, door knobs, etc.).
Well, I hope you learned a little more about the coronavirus and how it affects soccer today. Until next time.