CITY are waiting for the official word over claims that games could be played behind closed doors for the rest of the season.

The UK are set to move into the “delay” phase in their action plan to fight the coronavirus – a switch that would ban large gatherings.

A report in a national newspaper said plans to play matches without a crowd to reduce the risk of the virus spreading could be enforced as early as later today.

City, who face Leyton Orient at Valley Parade on Saturday, say they will comply with the EFL and FA.

Director of communications Ryan Sparks said: "We are monitoring the situation very closely and are aware of unofficial reports overnight.

"The club will adhere to whatever advice they receive from the football authorities."

The government have called a meeting of their Cobra committee for lunchtime when the restrictions could be announced.

According to the report in The Times, the Premier League and EFL are expected to fall into line with other leagues across Europe who have already made the call to play matches behind closed doors.