Sport Soccer

Valencia confirm 5 cases of coronavirus in squad

Shrivathsa Sridhar|Published

TOUCHED: Valencia has confirmed that 35% of their staff and players have tested positive for COVID-19. Picture: AP. TOUCHED: Valencia has confirmed that 35% of their staff and players have tested positive for COVID-19. Picture: AP.

La Liga side Valencia have said more than a third of their playing and backroom staff have tested positive for the coronavirus but that all cases were currently asymptomatic.

The club had reported five cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, with Argentina's Ezequiel Garay and France's Eliaquim Mangala both confirming they were among those who had contracted the virus.

"Several further tests for the COVID-19 coronavirus amongst Valencia coaching staff and players have come back positive," the club said in a statement.

Valencia travelled to Milan last month for a Champions League match against Atalanta, which was played in front of a packed San Siro stadium, before restrictions were placed on sports events in Italy, the worst-hit country in Europe.

PROTECTED: Valencia supporters try to protect themselves from COVID-19. Picture: Emilio Morenatti/AP.

"Despite the strict measures adopted by the club after their Champions League game ... these latest results show the exposure inherent to such matches has caused a positive test rate of around 35%," Valencia added.

"All cases are asymptomatic and those involved are currently isolated at home, receiving medical assessment and carrying out their scheduled training plan."

The flu-like virus has wiped out the international sporting calendar, with the big five soccer leagues in Europe -- England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France -- as well as the Champions League and Europa League all suspended.

The coronavirus has infected almost 180,000 people and killed over 7,000 worldwide.

Reuters