The alpine skiing World Cup Finals scheduled for next month in Italy will take place without any spectators on the slopes due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, according to an International Ski Federation (FIS) official.  

The event will be held from March 18-22 in Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Veneto region – badly affected by a virus outbreak that has killed 12 people and infected 400 in Italy – where the 2026 Winter Olympic Games are to be held alongside Milan. 

"As it stands Cortina is still where the competition will be held, but with no fans," FIS event director Markus Waldner told Swedish public broadcaster SVT. "This could change in the coming days."  

Italy's sporting calendar has been thrown into chaos as it aims to contain the virus, with the Six Nations clash between Ireland and Italy in Dublin on March 7 postponed and matches in football's Serie A shelved.  

The second leg of Inter Milan's last 32 Europa League tie against Ludogorets at the San Siro will be played behind closed doors on Thursday, as will their huge match with league title rivals Juventus in Turin on Sunday. 

Elsewhere, in badminton, the 2020 German Open, which was to be held in Muelheim an der Ruhr from March 3-8 and also an Olympic qualifying event, has been canceled amid coronavirus concern.  

Meanwhile, the 2020 Polish Open, another Olympic qualifier scheduled to be held in Krakow from March 26-29 has been postponed and will now fall outside the Olympic qualification period. 

The Chinese players were cleared of coronavirus infection and had received a green light to participate days ago, but are expected to be affected by such delays leading up to the Tokyo Summer Olympics.

(With input from agencies)