On Tuesday, long-term assistant to Pep Guardiola, and former coach of New York City FC , Domenec Torrent eased the pressure he was already facing after less than two months in charge of Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo , the reigning Brazilian and South American champions.

Without authorisation to enter Peruvian air space, the plane was forced back to Brazil, and the reinforcements had to wait while the bureaucracy was sorted out.

Further north, the CONCACAF region felt compelled by the Coronavirus situation to put World Cup qualifying back to March of next year.

Unless it starts soon, a change of format will be needed -- and as everyone bar Uruguay have already sold the TV rights on the basis that there will be nine home matches, this is to be avoided.

Last week FIFA president Gianni Infantino was enlisted as an ally, making sure that countries around the world waive quarantine restrictions on the South American players when they return from international duty.

And, as events in Guayaquil have made very clear, there is a "the show must go on" mentality -- which will surely make some clubs fear that their players might be at risk while on international duty.