Sports briefs

Swiss football boss Blanc tests positive for coronavirus

BERN, Switzerland (AP) – The president of Switzerland’s football federation has tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Swiss federation said 70-year-old Dominique Blanc got the results of a test on Sunday morning and isolated himself at his home.

“I feel pretty good right now and have only mild flu symptoms,” Blanc said in a statement released by the federation. He was tested after developing a sore throat and mild cough.

The headquarters of Swiss football in Bern has been closed and staff who had recent contact with Blanc have received medical advice, the federation said.Pro football lockdown in Mexico

MEXICO CITY, AP -Professional football is shutting down in Mexico following Sunday’s matches, which were already being played with no fans present as a precaution due to the new coronavirus. The measure applies to the men’s top flight and second division as well as the fledgling women’s league.

Soccer officials said in a statement that the suspension would remain in effect until it’s determined that it’s safe to restart play in coordination with Mexico’s Health Department.

Mexico previously played football matches without fans for several weeks during the 2009 H1N1 influenza health emergency, an outbreak with Mexico as the epicentre.

Brazil suspends football competitionsRIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, AP – Brazil’s football confederation has suspended all competitions under its control due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The tournaments affected include the men’s Brazilian Cup, the top two tiers of the women’s Brazilian championship, and junior tournaments.

The men’s top-tier Brazilian championship is scheduled to begin in April.

The decision does not affect state championships currently being played. Some matches were held without any fans this weekend in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Sao Paulo, Rio and other state football bodies are set to decide today on their course of action.