Welcome to the  Tim Meakin blog.  In today's blog, Tim from Nottingham shares the effect of Corona virus on world football. As the world scrambles to get to grips with the coronavirus outbreak, global sporting events are taking a hit. There are now more than 88,000 confirmed cases of the virus around the world and the death toll is over 3,000 -- the majority of which are from mainland China. The World Health Organization is preparing for a potential pandemic, so it seems the list of sports affected by the virus will grow.

The Government also has asked the Premier League to "step up its contingency planning" for coronavirus, a letter sent to club bosses states. Guidance sent to clubs explained that although the current position remains one of "business as usual", if the situation worsens they will consider "all the available options for completing the season". The email makes clear that protecting players and managers will have a big impact on whether the remaining fixtures are fulfilled.

On Wednesday the UK saw its biggest day-on-day increase in coronavirus cases, bringing the total number to 87. Playing fixtures behind closed doors is the main contingency plan being considered by the Premier League, should the spread of coronavirus necessitate it, although at present matches will go ahead as planned.

The guidance also notes that the Government has laid out three different categories of contingency plans and could intervene if the situation changes. While the Premier League is currently in Category A, described as "as you are", it says that Category B would be "behind closed doors" and then Category C is "cancellation, curtailment or postponement".

The main advice to clubs is that increased care needs to be taken with hygiene and steps must be taken to limit access to stadiums and training grounds. Several clubs have already taken their own action, including stopping players signing autographs, having 'selfies' with fans and shaking hands with club staff. A planning and coordination team within the Premier League has been set up to lead on the coronavirus response efforts.There are nine Premier League fixtures this weekend.

Tim Meakin from Nottingham is a barrister at Seven Bedford Row. He also provides both advice and representation in courts and tribunals and has undertaken a wide range of civil litigation and disciplinary cases before sports governing bodies as diverse as the Football Association, British Gymnastics, and the British Canoe Union. Visit Tim Meakin Toton Nottingham website if you need any legal help and representation. You can also follow Tim Meakin Nottingham's latest industry news and updates on the Tim Meakin Toton Nottingham Twitter profile. Read the latest Tim Meakin Toton Nottingham news here for more information.

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