UEFA urges leagues to complete suspended football seasons

UEFA remains committed to completing suspended football season in Europe despite coronavirus pandemic after making "a strong recommendation" on Tuesday that leagues across continent be played to a conclusion. "re was a strong recommendation given to finish domestic top division and cup competitions," European football's governing body said in a statement after holding a videoconference with its 55 member associations. However, it ded that "some special cases will be heard once guidelines concerning participation to European competitions -- in case of a cancelled league -- have been developed." 

UEFA urges leagues to complete seasons

That could be of particular interest to Belgium and Scotland, whose top flights appear to have been awaiting a green light from UEFA to call an end to ir seasons w. UEFA said any decisions would be anunced after its Executive Committee meets on Thursday. Before that it is due to meet with powerful European Club Association (ECA) and European Leagues grouping, which represents nearly a thousand clubs in 29 countries, on Wednesday. League seasons were halted in mid-March as coronavirus spre across Europe.

Some 106,737 deaths due to Covid-19 h been recorded in Europe by Tuesday. Italy, Spain and France have all officially recorded over 20,000 deaths while re have been more than 17,000 in United Kingdom. However, Germany has coped better than most of its neighbours and German Bundesliga is set to become first leing league to attempt to restart its season, with clubs expected to agree to a May 9 resumption when y meet on Thursday. In Italy, all 20 Serie A clubs voted unanimously on Tuesday to complete season, albeit y will only do so "if government authorises it and in full compliance with rules for protection of health and safety".

Initially following suspension, end of June h been set out as target date for finishing season, but UEFA has since been working on possibility of playing in July and August. It is understood that scenario drawn up by a UEFA working group is based around completing Champions League in August, with final in Istanbul possibly on August 29. Champions League and Europa League are currently on hold "until furr tice", with both stuck in last-16 st.

UEFA has alrey postponed Euro 2020 by a year. y are also likely to put next women's European Championship back by a year to 2022. Despite UEFA's stance, football is at mercy of virus and of national governments who have opted strict lockdown measures to try to halt its spre. Belgian Pro League has previously stated its intention to declare season finished, but was warned earlier this month by UEFA that its clubs risked being excluded from next Champions League if it did so unilaterally. decision was unanimously approved by Pro League board at start of month and could be rubber-stamped at a meeting next Monday. Meanwhile, Scotland has alrey declared season over in leagues below top flight and could do same for Premiership if UEFA does t object, meaning Celtic would be champions.

Im credits: AP