Nyon (Switzerland), March 17 (IANS): The 16th edition of the Euros has been postponed to 2021 amidst the crisis unleashed by the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Norway's football association on Monday tweeted that the UEFA has decided that the Euros will now be played from June 11 next year.

"UEFA has decided that the Euros should be postponed until 2021. It will be played from 11 June to 11 July next year," the Norwegian FA tweeted. The Euros were originally scheduled to be held from June 12 to July 12 this year.

European football's governing body had invited representatives of its member associations and boards of the European Club Association and the European Leagues and a representative of FIFPro, to a video conference meeting on Tuesday where the decision was taken.

The decision frees up the calendar to give the continent's nationals leagues and the UEFA Champions League and Europa League a chance to reach completion. It also gives member nation and two-time champions Italy the time to recover for the tournament. The country is among the worst affected by the virus with over 350 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.