China's League of Legends Pro League delayed indefinitely due to coronavirus outbreak

News by Emily Gera Contributor

Published on Jan. 26, 2020

China's League of Legends Pro League competition has been delayed indefinitely due to the recent coronavirus outbreak.

Week 2 of LPL competitions was originally scheduled to take place the week of February 5. But China has since introduced severe restrictions on travel in the country and has banned large gatherings in its major cities in response to the highly contagious coronavirus.

“We have decided to postpone week 2 of the LPL until we can ensure the safety and health of our players and fans,” reads a tweet posted by the LPL on its English-language Twitter feed today. “To our fans, we sincerely apologize that it has come to this and we will share any and all info as soon as we can.”

We have decided to postpone week 2 of the LPL until we can ensure the safety and health of our players and fans.

To our fans, we sincerely apologize that it has come to this and we will share any and all info as soon as we can.

Stay Safe and thank you all for your support!
— LPL (@lplenglish) January 26, 2020

LPL's academy league - the League of Legends Development League - has also been delayed indefinitely because of the fast-moving virus. But it's not just professional gaming that has been affected. All professional sporting events have also suspended until March, according to China's General Administration of Sport.

The coronavirus is thought to be linked to a live animal market in Wuhan, China and has resulted in the infection of nearly 2000 people and the deaths of 56 confirmed so far.