The effect of the deadly Coronavirus, which is being felt across the world of football, has found its way into Indian Football as a government directive has ensured that the Indian Super League playoffs Final will be played behind closed doors.

Set to be held in Goa on Saturday, the Indian Super League final will involve Chennaiyin FC facing Atletico De Kolkota with no fans allowed in the stand.

This is a preventive measure taken by the government against a possible mass spread of COVID-19, which has threatened and disrupted sporting calender and events across the world.

The All India Football Federation, Board of Control For Cricket in India, India Olympic Association as well as other sports bodies in the country were given a directive by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

According to the directive, Sports bodies are advised to put on hold every sporting event that will initiate public gatherings. Excerpts from the directive

This follows a directive from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to the Indian Olympic Association (IOC), Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and all other recognised sports bodies, including the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The directive asks the sports bodies to adhere to the advice to not conduct any sporting event with public gathering.

“You are advised to adhere to the advisories issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and ensure that no public gathering takes place in any sporting event,”

“In the event the sporting event cannot be avoided, the same could be done without allowing the gathering of people, including spectators.” the statement said.

India Government as a whole has reacted swiftly to the Pandemic by suspending existing visas to foreigners until the 15th of April 2020. India has 73 cases of COVID-19 recorded.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu