Forest Squad Clears Coronavirus Tests After Owner’s Diagnosis
In a relief for Nottingham Forest fans, the Championship club has confirmed that all players, staff, and officials have tested negative for COVID-19. This comes just days after owner Evangelos Marinakis announced he had contracted the virus.
The club acted swiftly following Marinakis’ diagnosis, arranging immediate testing for everyone who had been in close contact with him. A statement released by Nottingham Forest emphasized their commitment to safety:
“Within hours of receiving the news that owner Evangelos Marinakis had tested positive, the club took swift action to arrange tests for the entire first-team players, staff, and officers that came into contact with the owner last week.”
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis tested positive for COVID-19 but the squad remains unaffected.
Impact on Premier League and European Football
The ripple effects of Marinakis’ diagnosis have been felt beyond the Championship. Wednesday’s Premier League clash between Manchester City and Arsenal was postponed after it was revealed that Marinakis had interacted with Arsenal players following Olympiakos’ Europa League match against the Gunners.
Marinakis, who also owns Greek giants Olympiakos, attended Arsenal’s home fixture last month. While he shook hands with one Arsenal player, the club maintains that no one had prolonged exposure to him.
Marinakis was present at Arsenal’s Europa League match, leading to precautionary measures across English football.
Broader Sporting Disruptions Due to Coronavirus
The football world continues to adapt as the COVID-19 outbreak forces widespread changes:
- Postponed Matches:
- Manchester City vs. Arsenal (Premier League)
- Chelsea’s Champions League clash vs. Bayern Munich (to be played behind closed doors)
- Barcelona vs. Napoli (behind closed doors)
- Suspended Leagues:
- Serie A (Italy) has halted all matches, with doubts over whether the season will resume.
- La Liga and Ligue 1 are proceeding without spectators.
- International Football Adjustments:
- Ireland’s Euro 2020 playoff vs. Slovakia will be played behind closed doors.
- England’s friendlies against Italy and Denmark remain scheduled—for now.
What’s Next for Nottingham Forest?
While Forest’s immediate squad is unaffected, the club remains in close communication with football authorities to ensure all necessary precautions are taken. Fans can stay updated with the latest developments via Jw7, your trusted source for in-depth sports analysis.
Final Thoughts
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to reshape the sporting landscape, with Nottingham Forest is situation serving as a reminder of the virus’s far-reaching impact. As leagues adapt, Jw7 will keep you informed with expert insights and breaking updates.
What are your thoughts on football’s response to the outbreak? Share your opinions below!