Wolves chairman Jeff Shi: We will protect players, staff and supporters

In a statement posted on the club’s official website, Shi urged fans not to “underestimate” the virus and to stay “as safe as possible” in the weeks and months ahead.

Premier League fixtures have been suspended until April 4 at the earliest and Wolves have decided to close Molineux until that date.

The club have also ordered all staff to work from home for the forthcoming days and weeks. Shi has promised all staff will continue to be paid and revealed Fosun, the club’s Chinese ownership group, had been in touch with Wolverhampton City Council to express support.

Shi said: "At Wolves we have a responsibility to protect not only our players, but also every employee at the club, which is why we have taken the further step of asking all of our staff to work from home over the forthcoming days and weeks.

“From my knowledge and understanding of the virus, social distancing is crucial to the fight against it, so this is a necessary course of action and a sacrifice we all have to make.

“I appeal to our supporters to follow our lead, and to stay as safe as possible during what will no doubt be a very testing time.

“Please don’t underestimate the threat of this virus, to you or those around you, and employ best practice to limit the spread, including good hygiene and proper social distancing, which are both key.”

Shi also praised players and staff for the “professionalism and dedication” they displayed during Thursday’s Europa League tie at Olympiacos.

Wolves drew 1-1 in Athens having failed in an appeal to get the last-16 first leg tie postponed, after it emerged Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis had contracted coronavirus.

The second leg, scheduled to be played at Molineux next Thursday, was postponed within hours of the final whistle.

Shi described the first leg tie, which was played behind closed doors, as a match “none of us felt was appropriate to play”.

He said: “Our players showed great professionalism and dedication to take to the field in a stadium devoid of atmosphere, in a continent gripped with anxiety, and still deliver a performance and positive result.

“Of course, we took all appropriate measures to ensure that the staff and players who travelled were protected where possible from the threat of contracting coronavirus, and we will continue to keep improving these measures all the time to help them remain safe and healthy.”

Shi continued: “I would like to make a promise to all Wolves supporters: Throughout the challenges of the forthcoming weeks and months, everyone at Wolves will continue to work as hard as we possibly can to keep progressing, keep innovating, and return even stronger and more hungry to achieve success. We will not rest.

“Until then, please stay safe and don’t take any risks. Look after yourselves and look after each other. We will get through this.