Image source, AFC Fylde

AFC Fylde have disbanded their women's side because of the coronavirus pandemic.

They are believed to be the first semi-professional or professional women's side in the top 40 clubs in England to fold because of COVID-19.

Fylde were ninth in the Northern Premier Division of the National League - the third tier of women's football - when the season was suspended.

The club had previously said it would remain committed to its women's side.

"We wholeheartedly understand and accept this is not the news anyone wanted to give, or to receive," Fylde chief executive Jonty Castle said.

The Vuelta a Espana has cancelled plans to stage this year's departure in the Netherlands because of the "exceptional worldwide situation" caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Utrecht was due to host the start of the race, the dates of which are unknown because of the reshuffling of the cycling calendar although an announcement from governing body the UCI could come later, on Wednesday.

While Vuelta organisers are still hopeful of the event going ahead, after the World Championships and potentially as late as November according to some reports, they will now be searching for a new route.

"Faced with the impossibility of ensuring the planned development of the race's official departure, with all of the required guarantees for an event of these characteristics, La Vuelta Holanda has preferred to request the official departure's cancellation," La Vuelta Holanda said in a statement.

Laura Scott
BBC Sport News Correspondent

Sports should return from the "bottom-up not the top-down" when the coronavirus lockdown lifts, according to a public health adviser to the World Health Organisation.

Dr Brian McCloskey, former public health director for London 2012, said community sport could be the first type of sport to return - but "bigger events will be a challenge this summer".

Professional and semi-professional leagues and competitions, grassroots and amateur sports have been suspended since the middle of March.

Major sports including football, rugby, cricket and horse racing are meeting government medical experts this week to discuss plans to resume action.

More on this stoy here.

We'll bring you updates here on how the global coronavirus pandemic is affecting sport throughout the day.