Manchester United are likely to play the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie against LASK behind closed doors, according to reports in Austria.
Mainland Europe is working to arrest the spread of coronavirus with sporting events across the world affected
Amid the crisis, Italy have declared a country-wide lockdown with 9,000 cases.
United are scheduled to take on LASK on Thursday at the Linzer Stadion and Austrian outlet Kronen Zeitung claim that game will virtually be played behind closed doors.
Austrian health minister Rudolf Anschober announced at a press conference on Tuesday new country-wide measures against coronavirus, saying: ‘All outdoor events with over 500 people, 100 indoor, will be cancelled until mid-April.’
Uefa have not confirmed if the cancelled events will include the LASK game, but Austrian media continue to say a maximum of 500 spectators are expected to be granted access to the ground if the match goes ahead.
A statement from UEFA said: ‘We are closely monitoring the situation and are in contact with the WHO and national authorities.
‘UEFA is also monitoring decisions by local authorities and we are in contact with all clubs.’
United were expected to bring a small travelling contingent of fans with them to Austria, but it now appears those supporters will have to remain behind.
LASK tweeted from their English account shortly after the health minister’s comments that further information about the game would be available soon.
United are just the latest side to be affected by the coronavirus crisis, with Serie A games postponed and cancelled across Italy.
In the Champions League, Wednesday’s tie between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund in France will be played behind closed doors.
Barcelona’s last-16 tie against Napoli next Wednesday has also suffered the same fate.
A host of Europa League and Champions League games have to be played behind doors and UEFA are now ‘seriously considering’ suspending the tournament.
MORE: UEFA considers suspending Champions League and Europa League due to coronavirus
MORE: Coronavirus across Europe: How other countries are dealing with Covid-19
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