体坛英语新闻：Spanish Cup final postponed due to coronavirus

MADRID, March 11 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Wednesday decided to postpone the final of the Copa del Rey knockout competition between Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Sociedad because of fears over the coronavirus.

The final between the two sides from the Basque region in the north of Spain was due to be played in the Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville on April 18th, but after meeting with the Presidents of both clubs (Aitor Elizegui and Jokin Aperribay) the decision was taken to postpone the game as both presidents ruled out the possibility of playing behind closed doors.

No new date has yet been set for the final, but May 29th or May 30th have been mooted a possible dates, although May 30th is the same day the Champions League final has also been scheduled for.

The RFEF's decision came hours after UEFA suspended the Europa League games between Sevilla and Roma and Inter Milan and Getafe due to be played on Thursday, citing "travelling restrictions between Spain and Italy imposed yesterday by the Spanish authorities."

Tuesday saw the Spanish government take the decision that all sporting events in the country will be played behind closed doors in an attempt to stop the spread of Covid-19 which has infected around 2,200 people in Spain, claiming 49 lives.