Tuesday, November 5Sports. Travel. Events

European football season would ‘probably be lost’ if not restarted by end of June, says Uefa president Ceferin

Aleksander Ceferin, president of European football’s governing body Uefa, has revealed that a number of plans have been drawn up to try and complete the 2019-20 season. 

However, should fixtures not be resumed by the end of June then the season will “probably be lost”.

Football across Europe is currently suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and the May finals of Uefa’s two major men’s competitions – the Champions League and Europa League – have been postponed. 

The Uefa European Championship – Euro 2020 – has also been delayed for a year and will now take place in the summer of 2021.

In an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Ceferin said: “Nobody knows when the pandemic will end. We have a plan A, B or C: to restart in mid-May, in June or at the end of June.

“If then we wouldn’t be able to do any of these, the season would probably be lost. There is also the possibility of ending this season at the start of the next, which would then be postponed, starting a little later. 

“We’re in touch with the leagues, the clubs, there is a working group and we’ll see what solution is best for all. We have to wait, like any other sector.”

Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media

Difficult decisions 

Meanwhile, the English professional football season is suspended until 30 April at the earliest.

In a joint statement the Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) said: “It was stressed that the thoughts of all three organisations continue to be with everyone affected by the virus. 

“The Premier League, EFL and PFA agreed that difficult decisions will have to be taken in order to mitigate the economic impact of the current suspension of professional football in England and agreed to work together to arrive at shared solutions. 

“The leagues will not recommence until 30 April at the earliest. They will only do so when it is safe and conditions allow. 

“Further meetings will take place next week with a view to formulating a joint plan to deal with the difficult circumstances facing the leagues, their clubs, players, staff and fans.”

Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media

SPORTS EVENTS CALENDAR