Ceferin: “We have three plans for restarting the season”
In an interview with Italian media, Aleksander Ceferin confirmed that UEFA has three plans concerning the restart of the 2019/2020 season, however, he admitted that the campaign could be lost.
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As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, nearly all sporting competitions across the world have come to a standstill, with the illness continuing to cause huge disruption. At the moment, the peak of COVID-19 is still yet to hit, meaning it’s impossible to set any new dates for the restart of the 2019/2020 campaign.
In a recent interview with Italian media, UEFA president Ceferin conceded that there is a chance that the season will be cancelled if it isn’t safe to begin playing by July:
"Nobody knows when the pandemic will end," Ceferin said when speaking to La Repubblica. "We have a plan A, B or C: to restart in mid-May, in June or at the end of June. "If then we wouldn't be able to do any of these, the season would probably be lost. There is also the possibility of ending this season at the start of the next, which would then be postponed, starting a little later.
"We're in touch with the leagues, the clubs, there is a working group and we'll see what solution is best for all. We have to wait, like any other sector."
Olympiacos are still involved in the UEFA Europa League. Earlier this month, the Erythrolefki played to a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers at home in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie, however, no one knows when/if the return will take place.
The Super League in Greece was suspended before the championship playoffs and relegation playouts had begun. A crunch meeting on Monday is likely to decide the future of the domestic season.
In comparison to other European countries, Greece have dealt with the health crisis more effectively, with the death toll currently standing at 38. Italy, in stark contrast, have lost over 10,000 lives. The virus severely affects the respiratory system.
