Olympiacos vs Wolves: Coronavirus means Europa League match will be behind closed doors
Wolves' Europa League tie at Olympiacos on Thursday will be played behind closed doors due to coronavirus.
The Greek government has enforced a temporary suspension of spectators attending sporting events due to the outbreak of Covid-19.
Wolves explained in a statement that Olympiacos had "sought clarification" whether the last-16 fixture would be affected by the sporting event suspension to run from March 9 to March 22, and were unable to stage the contest as normal.
The news came after a patient in Wolverhampton became the fourth person in the UK to die after testing positive for coronavirus. A fifth person died in the UK later on Monday and the first case in Dudley has also been confirmed.
"Unfortunately, the decision has now been confirmed and all parties must submit to the official ruling imposed by the relevant Greek authorities," Wolves said in a statement.
"We share the disappointment of all of our supporters who will be affected by this decision, and can confirm that all match ticket refunds will be processed over the next 48 hours.
"Refunds will be made using the original payment method, and any supporters who purchased in person and paid with cash will be contacted by Wolves ticket office staff to arrange a refund."
John Whitehouse, 69, from Coseley, who has watched Wolves since 1958, bought flight tickets on Sunday for £234.
But, a couple of hours later, the possibility of a ban on supporters entering the stadium emerged.
Mr Whitehouse said: “I have got an older dad. I don’t want to bring these things back.”
The second leg is due to be played at Molineux on March 19.
Officials in Italy and France have also banned spectators from attending major events.
Paris St Germain announced on Monday that their Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund this week will be played behind closed doors.
And Serie A games were delayed or postponed this weekend after 16 million people were placed in lockdown, with Pescara taking to the field for their Serie B game at Benvenuto wearing protective masks.
However UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said it is still "premature" to consider directing all sporting events to be played behind closed doors.
Government ministers have been meeting with sporting bodies in London to discuss possible next steps, but Dowden believes current health advice does not require such precautions yet.
