FC Zurich finds several positive tests for COVID-19 among staff and players

FC Zurich found several coronavirus cases in its squad and staff, including defender Mirlind Kryeziu, and will be quarantined until July 17.

Published : Jul 11, 2020 18:32 IST

FC Zurich, which is fifth in the Swiss Super League, was due to host FC Sion on Saturday and visit FC Basel on Tuesday, but both games have been postponed.

Swiss top-flight club FC Zurich found a number of coronavirus cases in its squad and staff after defender Mirlind Kryeziu tested positive, the club said on Saturday, raising questions about whether it will be able to complete the Swiss Super League season.

The club had said on Friday that the 23-year-old defender had tested positive and that, after discussions with the local health authority, the squad had been quarantined until July 17. The team's next two games have been called off.

RELATED| More than 20 COVID-19 cases at two Bulgarian clubs after lab error

Kryeziu, who made a brief appearance as a substitute in last Tuesday's match at Neuchatel Xamax, has light symptoms.

The club said on Saturday that the entire first team squad and staff had now been tested and that there had been further positive results.

“FC Zurich is in constant communication with the Swiss Football League and will now analyse the next steps,” it said. “No further information can be given at this time.”

RELATED| German club plans mass coronavirus testing to fill stadium again

FC Zurich, which is fifth in the Swiss Super League, was due to host FC Sion on Saturday and visit FC Basel on Tuesday, but both games have been postponed and there are no spare dates before the end of the a season on August 2 to reschedule them. The side's next game after that is at home to Young Boys Bern on July 18.

Neighbouring club Grasshoppers, which plays in the second tier, said on Friday that one of its players had also tested positive.

The league was suspended on March 2 and restarted in mid-June.