UEFA postpones European Cup matches because of COVID-19

The European Football Confederation (UEFA) has decided to postpone all matches in the European Cup next week to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

UEFA has decided to postpone all matches in the European Cup scheduled to take place next week. This is the result of a meeting between the UEFA and 55 Member Football Associations in response to the COVID-19 epidemic that is spreading throughout Europe.

The UEFA announcement stated: “In the context of the COVID-19 epidemic spreading in Europe and the related decisions of different governments, all matches in the European Cup take place next week be postponed”.

This decision applies to: All remaining matches in the round of 1/8 Cup of the C1 are expected to take place on 17 and 18/3/2020; All return matches for the 1/8 round of the Europa League are scheduled to take place on March 19, 2020; All matches in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Youth League are scheduled to take place on 17 and 18 of March 2020.

Further decisions regarding when these matches will take place will be made after the next meeting.

Due to the postponement of matches, the time to hold the draw for the quarterfinals of the C1 Cup and the Europa League this season, scheduled for March 20, is also postponed.

In addition, UEFA also announced that it will hold a meeting on 17/3 to discuss more carefully about the solution to COVID-19. The meeting was attended by UEFA, representatives of 55 member associations, European Clubs Association, Association of European leagues and World Professional Player Association.

This week, UEFA also has to cancel two matches in the Europa League due to serious disease situation in Italy and Spain. These are Sevilla vs Roma and Inter Milan vs Getafe. In addition, some matches in the C1 Cup and the Europa League must also take place on the field without spectators to prevent the risk of disease spread.

Currently, the English Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and Ligue 1 have all decided to postpone to prevent the spread of corona virus. Particularly the Bundesliga will begin to postpone from April 17 to early April.