Most national leagues in Europe stopped in March due to the start of Covid-19. While UEFA club competitions were also affected. Four fixtures are still active in the last 16 Champions League. While all eight in the Europa League at the same stage have not yet concluded.
Ceferin expect to end the 19-20 season by August
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin expects the end of the 2019-20 season by August. Including the Champions League and Europa League campaigns. Most national leagues in Europe stopped in March due to the start of Covid-19, while UEFA club competitions were also affected. Four fixtures are still active in the last 16 Champions League, while all eight in the Europa League at the same stage have not yet concluded. The Bundesliga was the first of the major domestic top flights in Europe to resume on Saturday, and the Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga all signaled their intention to return behind closed doors.
UEFA have a plan
Leagues in France, the Netherlands, and Belgium have banned the remainder of their respective campaigns, but Ceferin told reporters he expects 80 percent to conclude. “We have a plan, but we have to wait until the UEFA Executive Committee confirms the dates. I can say that the European campaign will be over if everything is as it is now, in August, “said Ceferin.” As it looks like now, I’m sure that we can end the European season, which means UEFA’s competition. “I think most leagues will end the season. The ones who will not it’s their decision. But they still have to play the qualifiers if they want to participate in the European UEFA competition.”
Ligue 1 clubs face a dilemma where to play UEFA qualifiers
The reality further complicates the matter that Ligue 1 still has a representation in the Champions League in the form of the Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon. Because the French government imposed a ban on professional sports until September. Both clubs face a dilemma on where to hold matches. Ceferin added: “If you can’t play in your country, you should organize it in a neutral venue. I see no reason why the French authorities would not allow them to arrange a match without spectators, but let’s see. Another question that faces UEFA is holding games for the postponed Euro 2020 next year, which is expected to occur in 12 different locations. According to Ceferin, nine cities have plans set in stone, but questions remain with three more.
“We had conversations with nine cities, and everything is established,” he said. “With three cities, we have some questions. So we will discuss further. In principle, we will do this in 12 cities, but if not, we are ready to do it in 10, nine, or eight.”