London, May 12 (IANS): British Athletics on Tuesday announced that Diamond League London meeting has been cancelled in the wake of coronavirus pandemic that has hit the entire world. The Games were scheduled to take place at the London Stadium on July 4-5.

"We are hugely disappointed to confirm the cancellation of one of the flagship events of the global athletics calendar," UK Athletics chief Joanna Coates was quoted as saying by athleticsweekly.com.

"But we must place the safety of the entire athletics family at the forefront of every decision we make during these unprecedented times and ensure we are following government advice."

The Diamond League has also announced that no events will take place in July and first half of August looking at the risks involved and the 2020 season will be extended to October.

"Diamond League today announces a shortened, provisional calendar for late summer and autumn 2020. Several events will be re-scheduled, others cancelled as organisers continue to adapt the season in the face of the coronavirus crisis," a statement on their website read.

"The provisional calendar will see a number of Wanda Diamond League meetings go ahead as one-off, exhibition events, while others will be staged as adapted Diamond League meetings.

"There will be no events in July and the first half of August (other than National Championships where possible), and the season will instead be extended into October," it added.