Champions League and Europa League ‘moved to July, August’
Zurich, Wedneday
The latter stages of this season’s Champions League and Europa League are reportedly set to be moved to July and August as the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the football calendar.
And all international matches scheduled for June are likely to be postponed until Autumn to make way for the completion of the 2019-20 season.
The move comes, according to German outlet ZDF, ahead of the latest UEFA video conference set to take place on Wednesday.
All football across Europe has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, and uncertainty surrounds when it will be safe again to continue.
But there now appears to be a prevailing view that this season should finish before the next begins that could even see the Champions League final played behind closed doors, according to the Independent.
They claimed on Wednesday that voiding the 2019-20 season is now reportedly ‘off the table’ with UEFA and the European leagues committing to completing the current campaign.
European football’s governing body is set to to stage another video conference on Wednesday where plans to finish the season, as well as issues over player contracts and the transfer window.
Detailed discussions are already believed to have taken place, with all parties in agreement with the view from England that the season must be completed.
It could lead to both the Champions League and Europa League showpieces taking place in front of empty stadiums.
Sportsmail revealed on Tuesday that English clubs have serious reservations about resuming European competition this season.
The FA are expected to raise concerns about heading abroad given the risks attached to being on airplanes, airports, hotels and the varying degrees of Covid-19 at different destinations, even when travel restrictions are lifted.
International friendlies had been scheduled for June as warm ups ahead of summer tournaments, but they are also set to be moved.
Euro 2020 and the Copa America have already been postponed by 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic which has brought the world of sport to a complete standstill. -Dailymail
