Despite fears over coronavirus pandemic, Belarusian Premier League season has kicked off with fans on Thursday.
The Football Federation of Belarus (BFF) Chairman Vladimir Bazanov said there is no reason to postpone or cancel the scheduled competition as the situation is in control in the country.
"For what reason should we not start it? Is a state of emergency declared in our country? There is no critical situation. So we decided that we are starting the championship in a timely manner. Today," said Bazanov.
Major football attraction of Europe, Premier League, Champions League, Euro Cup, Europe League, LaLiga, FA Cup, and various domestic competitions have been cancelled or postponed due to the outbreak.
"Many matches in Europe have been played without spectators. But so many fans gather around the stadium that it makes no sense to close off the game," Bazanov added.
Belarus has reported 51 cases and no deaths as of Thursday. However, it is business as usual in Belarus - where the season started on Thursday, with fans in attendance as BATE lost 3-1 to Energetyk-Bgu and Torpedo Belaz defeated Shakhtyor 1-0.
Many sporting events across the world have been affected by the COVID-19 and as a preventive measure, all the upcoming tournaments and competitions have either been postponed or stand cancelled.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app