Footballers could face mass layoffs over coronavirus, warns FIFPRO

Soccer Football - Coronavirus impact on Sport - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - March 16, 2020 General view outside Wembley stadium where it is due to host the Euro 2020 Final in July, as the number of coronavirus cases grow around the world Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

(Reuters) - Football is facing its first economic crisis for decades with the prospect of mass layoffs of players if nothing is done to bail out clubs left without matches by the coronavirus pandemic, the global players' union FIFPRO said on Tuesday.

Professional football has been wiped off the map for weeks, maybe months, after all the major leagues, cups and international competitions were suspended, culminating in the postponement of Euro 2020 and Copa America on Tuesday.