THE Chinese Basketball Association has been the unwanted benchmark for sporting fixtures across the globe relating to Covid-19.

Given the coronavirus pandemic originated in the country, the rest of major sporting organisations have rightfully looked at their handling of the situation.

They initially suspended the season back in January and were due to get back on the court on April 15. This will now not happen, with the CBA issuing a further suspension for an undertermined period of time.

Their lack of ability to guarantee safety and health of players or coaching staff is a worrying sign for the rest of the world and the Welsh domestic football season.

The current suspension of fixtures has an April 30 date at the present time. There appears little doubt that this is going to be extended as the virus continues to pose a serious threat to life.

Like it or not, there is a real danger that the season might not come to a successful conclusion across all levels. The CBA are now into their fourth month of suspension and with no definite date on when they will resume, if it will at all.

They, and other governing bodies worldwide, are giving themselves the best possible chance to ensure competitive action returns. Others have used their own initiative and taken the necessary measures that might become a common theme in the weeks and months ahead.

The Welsh Rugby Union cancelled the domestic season with no promotion or relegation, while the National Football League system in England also took the decision to expunge all results.

That might seem like a hasty decision, but it is one that could become more commonplace if Covid-19 fears do not relent.

This is bad news for ambitious football clubs who are looking to secure promotion or a championship, but at the end of day sport is secondary to the health and wellbeing of those involved.

It is far from an ideal situation and any cancellation will have complex ramifications financially as well as on the field. The delay in a final conclusion in the hope things improve is merely "kicking the can down the road".

The Football Association of Wales and other governing bodies are sure to be making contingency plans in event of the worst-case scenario descending. They will not want to be caught short if other organisations force their hand and all go in the same way, at the same time.

This is not an attempt to scaremonger. It is merely a realistic opinion and a warning that should be heeded by anybody thinking that the football season is going to start up again is a guarantee.

Clubs have already suffered a tremendous loss financially that could have implications on next season, whenever that gets underway. The August 1 finishing date issued by UEFA might seem like a considerable time from now, but there is no sign of coronavirus subsiding anytime soon.

As discovered by the CBA, the expected “second wave” that caused their latest suspension is also a real risk that should be considered.

Putting players, staff and supporters in harm’s way just to ensure things get back to “normal” at the earliest opportunity is just not an option.

Hopefully things will get better from a sporting perspective, and soon. But judging by the CBA’s recent reaction, it appears some way off yet.