UEFA boss: Champions League, Europa League will finish in August
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UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin says the governing body has put together a plan for the 2019-20 season to be completed in August, including the Champions League and Europa League tournaments.
The majority of European leagues have been suspended since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Germany’s Bundesliga restarted on Saturday in empty stadiums and with strict protocols in place, while several other leagues have announced plans to resume competition.
“We have an idea but we have to wait for the executive committee of UEFA to confirm the dates. I can say that the European season will be finished, if everything is as it is now, in August,” Ceferin told BeIN Sports, according to The Guardian.
Under tentative plans, domestic leagues that have not been canceled – like those in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands – will aim for completion prior to the resumption of the two major continental competitions. Sporting merit will determine spots in next year’s European tournaments for leagues that have been canceled, according to Ceferin.
“As things look now, I’m sure that we can finish the European season and this means UEFA competition. I think the majority of leagues will finish the season. The ones who will not, it’s their decision,” Ceferin added. “But they will still have to play qualifiers if they want to participate in the European UEFA competition.”
Following the cancelation of the Ligue 1 campaign amid a ban on public gatherings in France, Paris Saint-Germain’s and Lyon’s Champions League campaigns were left in limbo.
“If you cannot play in your country, then you have to organize it at a neutral ground. I don’t see the reason why French authorities would not allow them to organize a match without spectators, but let’s see. It’s out of my power,” Ceferin said.
He also discussed the status of the 2020 European Championships after the tournament was moved to summer 2021 to prioritize the completion of domestic leagues. Initially slated to be held across 12 cities for the first time, Ceferin says the number of venues may be reduced in light of the global pandemic.
“We’ve had conversations with nine cities and everything is set,” Ceferin said. “With three cities, we have some issues. So we will discuss further. In principle, we will do it in 12 cities but if not, we are ready to do it in 10, nine, or eight.”
