Roma’s flight conveying players for their Europa League clash with Sevilla was not given the permission to land in Spain
This leaves them facing the prospect of forfeiting their last-16 tie as they now say they “will not travel”.
Italy is on complete lockdown to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus and other countries have placed restrictions on football matches.
The first leg of the last-16 Europa League tie was due to take place on Thursday evening at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville.
But the club announced the news through their official Twitter feeds on Wednesday lunchtime.
The tweet read: “Breaking news: AS Roma will not travel to Spain for the Europa League match against Sevilla after the plane from Italy was not authorised to land in Spain. More details from UEFA soon.”
Roma confirmed the team had chartered a flight to take them from the Italian capital to Seville on Wednesday afternoon but Spanish authorities denied permission.
There has been no official response from UEFA but it is thought Roma face the prospect of forfeiting the tie.
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport reported that UEFA and the football federations of Spain and Italy were unable to find a solution that would allow Roma to fly to Seville after flights between the two countries were halted.
Gazzetta dello Sport said the club considered flying to Portugal and then travelling by coach to Seville but this was also dismissed.
Thursday night’s game between Inter Milan and Getafe in the same competition is also in doubt with the Spanish club reluctant to travel to Italy.
Coronavirus in Italy
Italy has been the European country worst affected by the lethal COVID-19 outbreak with 10,149 confirmed cases and 631 deaths so far.
That led to authorities placing the country on complete lockdown to prevent the virus spreading, with all football leagues suspended.
Other Europa League fixtures on Thursday night – including Olympiacos vs Wolves and LASK vs Manchester United – will be played behind closed doors.
Roma’s issue could present problems for fellow Serie A side Napoli, who are set to travel to Barcelona for a Champions League tie next week.
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