Brazilian Serie A game postponed due to Coronavirus

The game between Goias and Sao Paulo got called off before the kickoff

The fixture between Goias and Sao Paulo was called off right before the kickoff after 10 of the former squad tested positive for COVID.

Out of the ten players, eight were said to ready to feature in the playing 11.

Jorge Pagura, the head of the medical commission of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said, 

“As soon as it was clear that the results came out, that Goias had 10 players with a positive test, we started to contact the Goias medical department.

“Goias requested, as is its right, to do a counter-test. We awaited the results.

“In order not to lose the game we waited the maximum amount of time. Near the time to make the decision came the result of the 10 positives. At that time, health comes first.”

Goias’ president Marcelo Almeida claimed the results arrived prior to the kickoff and Sao Paulo, in turn, decided not to proceed with the game.

Sao Paulo have also stood by the decision to postpone the fixture.

The club’s message from Twitter read as:

“Sao Paulo expresses its support and informs that it is in agreement with the decision to postpone the game this Sunday, in Goiania,” the club posted on Twitter.”

“There is nothing more important, at this time, than preserving health and reflecting society the importance of taking care.”

The games between Atletico Mineiro and Flamengo, Fluminense and Gremio were played without any hindrance on the matchday 1 of the Brazilian Serie A.

The turmoil has now put the remainder of the games in peril.