UEFA’S latest suggested solution to complete the Champions League would see a three-week August bonanza, according to reports.
Europe’s governing body are desperately scratching their heads to piece together a plan to finish the current campaign, as well as the Europa League.
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Uefa are contemplating the idea of a three-week football-fest in August to complete the Champions League and Europa LeagueCredit: EPA
They have already postponed the finals, initially by a month and then indefinitely, due to the coronavirus crisis which has put virtually all sport on hold.
But according to the Sunday Express, Uefa might try and stage the remaining matches across a three-week window later in the summer.
Both competitions are still in the last-16 stage with only RB Leipzig, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta securing their spots in the quarters of the Champions League.
In the same tournament, Chelsea face a mountain to climb to have any chance of progressing against Bayern Munich while Manchester City take a 2-1 lead over Real Madrid back to the Etihad.
There is still plenty of British interest in the Europa League, too, with Manchester United, Wolves and Rangers all involved.
Even if football gets back underway in June, the idea of an August finale would require clubs to sacrifice a large chunk of the gap between the current and 2020/21 seasons – or even spill over into the new campaign.
Uefa president Alexander Ceferin has already dismissed the option of delaying the two tournaments beyond August.
He said: “We can’t play it out in September or October.”
The Uefa chief, though, did not rule out staging matches in front of empty venues, as was the case for some of the last-16 matches that did go ahead.
He added: “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.”
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Uefa are under immense pressure to fulfil the matches in order to satisfy their requirements for TV broadcasters.
The Premier League are in a similar position and could face a £762million bill if the remaining 92 fixtures are not played.
However, reports suggest that Sky Sports indicated they would not ask for £371m back from the Premier League in broadcasting rights if the season is cancelled.
Liverpool will win 2019-20 Premier League ‘one way or another…even if it’s in league offices’, says UEFA chief Čeferin
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
