Italy halts all sporting events due to COVID-19

All sporting events in Italy have been suspended until April 3 due to concerns over COVID-19.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced the decision on Monday just a few hours before declaring a countrywide lockdown to tackle the spread of the coronavirus.

However, there is the possibility of holding matches under international jurisdiction behind closed doors, such as football games in UEFA's Champions League and Europa League.

Italy has been one of the countries worst hit by COVID-19 so far, with over 9,000 confirmed cases and 463 deaths.