Leyton Orient may forfeit to Tottenham due to coronavirus outbreak

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 9/21/20

English League Two side Leyton Orient could be forced to forfeit Tuesday's scheduled Carabao Cup match versus Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur due to what the club described as "a number of first-team squad" players testing positive for the coronavirus.

Orient reported the virus cases on Monday, two days after the club played to a 2-2 draw with Mansfield Town.

"We have informed the EFL and Tottenham Hotspur and will make a further announcement regarding Tuesday’s match shortly," Orient said in their statement.

"We have also informed Mansfield Town, Plymouth Argyle and Oldham Athletic, our three most recent opponents, prior to the public release of this information.

"Leyton Orient’s priority is the health and well-being of its players and staff. Those who have tested positive will now strictly follow government self-isolation guidelines.

"The Breyer Group Stadium and training ground facilities will be closed until further notice."

The English Football League Championship also released a statement:

As the BBC explained, Tottenham will be awarded the match if Orient can't field a full team on Tuesday. Because of their involvement in Europa League qualification, Tottenham already have a full schedule that limits opportunities for postponements and rescheduling.

Tottenham face KF Shkendija in Macedonia on Thursday and then host Newcastle United on Sunday.

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