The spread of COVID-19 is playing havoc with sport worldwide. The WHO designated the coronavirus as a pandemic. Many sports are taking measures to curb the spread of the virus. Major events are being suspended. European football is coming to a standstill as major leagues in Spain, Italy and other countries have suspended games for the coming weeks. The Champions League could be suspended until the summer. In other sports, the first grand prix of the Formula 1 season has been cancelled in Australia, and major league sports in the USA have been suspended until further notice.
The biggest worry for sports fans is uncertainty over the Tokyo Olympics. Japan is preparing to continue with the Games as scheduled. The minister in charge said it was "inconceivable" they would be cancelled, but a member of the organizing committee said it was "more realistic" to postpone them. U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Japan should consider postponing the Games. Sport is already being hit in Japan. The nation's 15-day spring sumo tournament is being held behind closed doors, and a national high school baseball tournament has been cancelled.