UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin had recently hinted they have till have time to complete the remaining Champions League and Europa League matches but there’s also a possibility that the tournaments might have to be abandoned if the situation does not start getting better soon.
“We can’t play it out in September or October,” Ceferin told ZDF Sportstudio, as quoted by MEN.
“If the authorities do not allow us to play, then we cannot play. The fact is that we really don’t know much. We are waiting for the development of this terrible situation in the world, and mainly in Europe.
“It is still better to play the game behind closed doors and have it on TV, which is what the people need and want because it brings positive energy to their homes, than not playing at all. That’s what the people want, that brings positive energy, and it will be July or August.”
And now it seems UEFA have come up with another plan to wrap up the remaining Europa League and Champions League games which is surely great news for the clubs who are still active in Europe.
A report in The Mirror states: “UEFA could finish off this season’s Champions League and Europa League competitions in one three-week block during August.
“That’s the idea that has been kicked around in the corridors of power as the continent’s governing body seeks to find a solution to their on-going problem.
“The latest solution involves several assumptions. First, that the Premier League – and other leagues – will be up-and-running by mid-June, leaving six weeks for those remaining matchdays to be completed.
“And then those teams who still have an interest in Europe will battle it out during three weeks at the height of the summer.”
This is a huge boost for teams like Manchester City, Manchester United, Rangers FC, Chelsea and Wolves who are still playing in Europe.
If the two tournaments are played out at a frantic pace then it will inevitably cause a lot of issues to the clubs involved but at least they will have a shot at a silverware and for some teams, this might be a chance to secure their place in Europe next season.
Winning the Champions League or the Europa League means automatic entry to that tournament next year which is superb news for the Premier League clubs since right now as many as five clubs are fighting to get into Europe.
Man City as of now are banned from Europe meaning a fifth-place finish in the EPL would also secure entry to the Champions League which is great news for clubs like Arsenal, Spurs and Sheffield United who are all within touching distance of that mark.
Rangers FC might not have a big shot at winning the Europa League but if they can progress further in the tournament the prize money will significantly increase which is nothing short of hitting a jackpot during this pandemic crisis.
Also, if UEFA does decide to wrap up their two tournaments in such a short span of time then it will also help the Premier League finish its remaining matches with a bit more ease which will automatically work in favour of Liverpool and their chances of winning their maiden top-flight title in three decades.
And finally, while Man City’s next campaign might not be too affected with this news but most certainly Guardiola and the Etihad management would love to lift the Champions League trophy.
