'No restrictions' for French football, rugby despite virus fears

The largest numbers of coronavirus infections in France have emerged in the Oise department north of Paris. "Today (the matches) are not subject to any specific restrictions," said Maracineanu. "The large majority of spectators come from regions where there are no travel restrictions in place." However, she did concede current arrangements could change as authorities battle to contain the spread of the virus.

"This matter is going to be studied on a case by case basis with the prefects," she said. Last week, French football officials scrapped the traditional pre-match handshakes between players on the advice of the health department.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2020