Coronavirus: AFL eyes playing to empty stadiums

The coronavirus could mean AFL matches are played in empty stadiums­, after the first case of local transmission in Victoria was confirmed.

The AFL may be forced to play to empty stadiums such as the MCG. Picture: Colleen Petch.

The coronavirus could mean AFL matches are played in empty stadiums­, after the first case of local transmission in Victoria was confirmed.

But the Australian Grand Prix is expected to go ahead on Sunday, despite US pop star Miley Cyrus pulling out of a charity concert that was part of the Formula One weekend because of concerns over the spread of COVID-19.

The news comes as Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews warned people on Tuesday to prepare for public events and mass gatherings to be cancelled, after the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state increased by three, bringing the total to 18.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the sporting code was pushing ahead as planned, with the first match of the men’s season due to take place next Thursday with a round one clash between Richmond and Carlton.

“If mass gatherings are suspended, then we’ll play games in stadiums with no crowds,” he said.

Concerns over the coronavirus led to a charity­ concert expected to raise millions for the victims of the most recent bushfire seasons being cancelled­ after headlining act Cyrus pulled out.

“Due to the recommendations of local, state, federal and international government authorities, including the Centre for Disease Control, to reduce potenti­al health risks in response to the current global health crisis, we are no longer travelling to Aus for the show,” the singer said on Twitter on Tuesday. “I am so disappointed to not be there … I will still be making a donation to help the victims­ of the Australian bushfire.”