UEFA urges European leagues not to cancel seasons: Details here
The UEFA has asked European leagues not to abandon the 2019-20 season as officials stated they are working towards plans to resume matches from July. UEFA, the European Club Association [ECA] and European Leagues [EL] have written to all 55 member associations, including clubs and leagues, to stick together amid the coronavirus pandemic. Here's more on the same.
Associations should work towards resumption of their seasons
As per Sky Sports, the letter states that associations should continue to work towards a resumption of their seasons. "It is of paramount importance that even a disruptive event like this epidemic does not prevent our competitions from being decided on the field, in accordance with their rules and that all sporting titles are awarded on the basis of results," it states.
'We are confident that football can restart'
The UEFA stated its confident that football can restart in time to come. It also added decisions surrounding abandoning seasons now is premature. "We are confident that football can restart in the months to come - with conditions that will be dictated by public authorities - and believe that any decision of abandoning domestic competitions is, at this stage, premature and not justified."
UEFA is looking for solutions available
The letter added that one should ensure its decision on the existence of the last possibility. "As responsible leaders in our sport, this is what we must ensure, until the last possibility exists and whilst planning, operational and regulatory solutions are available."
UEFA chaired a conference call with every member association
UEFA chaired a conference call with every member association yesterday. No association called for cancelling the current season. However, since the meeting, the board of directors at Belgium's Jupiler Pro League have recommended their season should end. Meanwhile, some clubs in the Netherlands are also calling for a premature end to their season. Earlier. the preferred time to end the season was June 30.
Coronavirus pandemic has claimed more than 53,000 lives
The coronavirus pandemic has claimed more than 53,000 lives already and the numbers have kept surging with each passing day. Europe is worst hit with the likes of Italy and Spain recording over 13,000 and 10,000 deaths respectively.
