Norway vs Israel friendly cancelled over coronavirus fears

The match at the Ullevaal Stadion will no longer take place

The match at the Ullevaal Stadion will no longer take place (Bongarts/Getty Images)

The Norway vs Israel international friendly on Wednesday night has been cancelled over coronavirus concerns, it has been confirmed.

Norway's public health authorities had originally given the green light for the two to meet at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo this evening.

But the decision was later made to cancel it just hours before kick-off.

A statement from the Israeli FA stated: “The match between the Norwegian and Israeli teams that was scheduled to take place tonight was cancelled in accordance with the decisions of the authorities in Norway.”

Norwegian FA chief Pal Bjerketvedt added: "It is of course sad to cancel a match hours before kick-off. At the same time, it underlines the seriousness of the situation we are in.

"Over 500 international matches in Europe have been held this autumn. Therefore, we are confident that the protocols provide the necessary infection control framework around the matches that are played.

"Now that the health authorities are unsure of the risk of spreading after an outbreak of infection in the Israeli squad and recommend canceling the match, we will of course follow this."

Israel striker Munas Dabbur had returned a positive test earlier in the week, but was isolated and had no close contacts with the rest of the visiting squad.

Four Celtic players were set to take part, Moi Elyounoussi and Kristoffer Ajer for the hosts and Hatem Elhamed and Nir Bitton of the visitors.