News

UEFA club competitions remain postponed as June internationals are called off

International matches scheduled to take place in June were called off on Wednesday as UEFA held another video conference amid the worldwide coronavirus crisis.

European football’s governing body also confirmed that all UEFA club competitions remain postponed indefinitely.

In truth, there wasn’t a great deal new to take from this latest meeting between UEFA and the general secretaries of all 55 of its member associations.

For Fantasy managers, the limbo looks set to continue for the foreseeable future and any optimistic notion that the Premier League will recommence at the end of April or beginning of May can safely be disregarded – even more so after the comments of England’s deputy chief medical officer at the weekend.

The fact that international matches scheduled for two months time, including the four Euro 2021 play-off ties, have been shelved is another clear indication of how far we have to go before we are back to anything approaching normality.

UEFA aims to have 2019/20 club competitions finished by the end of June

Just two weeks ago, UEFA had announced that they were aiming to have all club competitions finished by the end of June.

A fortnight on, European football’s ruling power have simply said that matches under its jurisdiction remain “postponed until further notice”.

UEFA also announced that the deadlines related to all 2020/21 club competitions, in “particular as regards the admission process and the registration of players”, would be put on ice.

The administrative body went on to highlight the “exceptional circumstances” concerning financial fair play and club licensing, and their full statement can be viewed here.

While there was little of substance to be gleaned from the official press release, journalists following the video conference have shed a bit more light on how football may proceed in the medium term.

The Independent’s Miguel Delaney claims to have been told by multiple sources that voiding the 2019/20 campaign remains “off the table” both in England and elsewhere on the continent, having previously reported that the Premier League were developing plans to host their outstanding fixtures in “isolated camps” in June and July – should the situation have improved by that point.

Tariq Panja of The New York Times added that the priority is apparently on finishing domestic leagues, followed by European competitions, and claimed that league positions would determine Europa League qualification places if domestic cup competitions were scrapped.

Paul MacInnes of The Guardian meanwhile reported that the Champions League and Europa League could be completed in July and August.

As has been the case for the best part of a month, though, there is still so much unknown about the spread of COVID-19 and when everyday life, let alone professional football, will be back to business as usual.

Any plans for a resumption remain very much written in pencil at present and it will be coronavirus calling the shots for now, not football’s administrators.

62 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 12 months ago

    To the nearest day how long will this page last?

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      1 Day (rounded up), we have been getting two articles a day recently.

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      less that an hour and a half, they were speedy.

  2. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 12 months ago

    Do you think that we are going to get to the point where the whole world will have to learn to live with Covid-19 ?
    Unless some working vaccination is invented quickly I can't see how we can squash the spread of it ?
    We will get to the point where from economicall point of view will be forced to start returning to work.

    I'm no expert but just cant see light at the end of this tunnel 🙁

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      We're barely getting access to tests for the virus so I'd imagine access to vaccines in the near distant future is very ambitious and probably very unlikely.

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      The light at the end of the tunnel could be provided by the new tests that should indicate how high a percentage of the population has had the Cornovisus asymptomatically.

    3. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      SARS, bird flu and now COVID-19 all came from cruel Chinese wet meat markets. We're going to have to learn to live with all kinds of viruses unless China is pressured into shutting them down.

      If the next virus is extremely lethal AND highly contagious, it will be apocalyptic.

      1. rokonto
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        Us mere Joe public know this but the powers that be cannot sort it out, pathetic.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 12 months ago

          Joe Public might knowit

          But we need Joe Exotic to do something about it

      2. Majestic Chanka
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        Disagree, COVID-19 was definitely started by that b**ch Carole Baskin.

    4. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      If you want to see how this plays out, watch the brilliant film Contagion. Everything in the script was scientifically accurate.

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        Might give it a try, thanks.

      2. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        Terrible movie...

  3. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 12 months ago

    "The Independent’s Miguel Delaney claims to have been told by multiple sources that voiding the 2019/20 campaign remains “off the table” both in England and elsewhere on the continent"

    That's good to read and lessens the rush to complete this season when perhaps it won't be totally safe to do so. There's no need to rush, or worse yet, void a near-complete season in order to protect one that hasn't even started.

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      Must be true then. Who is he again?

      How come other more important people are not reporting this. Ill wait for the next story saying different

      Just cancel the goddam season. 🙁

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        He's the Independent's chief football writer. A proper reputable journalist, not Gary Lineker 😉

        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 12 months ago

          Yep but why are others not reporting it as it's quite a big story if true. It could be right of course..

          1. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 12 months ago

            Lack of interest? Is a paper gonna be too bothered covering a story about hypothetical events when it can better spread it's resources to cover COVID and other news. Miguel's bilingual so maybe has a few Spanish speaking contacts that get him a few scoops.

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      Multiple sources as in clubs that don't want the season cancelled? There are probably equally multiple sources that do want the season to be cancelled, who are going to lobby hard for this. If I didn't have kids to wrangle, I'd be training to be a sports lawyer right now.

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        Id say most probably do..why wouldn't they unless they are winning somthing or fighting for promotion/champ league spot

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      It’s very clever from the Premier League - takes the pressure off & means they don’t have to listen to negative feedback in the short term, and can still void it later with a statement that begins “Despite our best efforts, we were unfortunately unable to...”

      1. rokonto
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        Tru dat

  4. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 12 months ago

    Norwich City joining the blacklist.

    Slightly less contentious than Spurs and Newcastle, I suppose.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52114292

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      It is outrageus.
      Average footballer salary in PL is 3.6m pounds and they cant afford to take a cut to pay ordinary club employees ?
      How they have balls to reach for taxpayers money when at the same time paying fortunes to individuals just shows how corrupt top football is.

      Bayern, Juve and Barca shown that this can be done the right way.

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        I agree it's disgusting. But in the examples you've mentioned (don't forget 'Gladbach, Dortmund or RB Leipzig!) the players have made the decision. Not the clubs; as the clubs can't touch the players contracts. Fair play to them all.

        As for the players in "The Best League in the World" the silence is deafening.

  5. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 12 months ago

    What move would you make this week with an FT? May as well keep ticking it over. Got bench boost and free hit left.

    Pope Henderson
    TAA Boly Fernandez CTaylor Stephen's
    Mane Salah KDB Bruno Mooy
    Jota Jimi DCL
    1.0 ITB

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      Got 2 FTs so can use one. Thanks all and hope you're all healthy and well

      1. Funkyav
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        not sure i would want dbl burnley defence. So maybe Taylor to someone, otherwise maybe Mooy to someone better - maybe Sarr?

    2. Alberto Tomba
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      A few of these players are overdue a haul this week 😉

  6. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 12 months ago

    Anyone watching the Tiger King documentary on Netflix?

    It’s fairly mental so far

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      its get more mental each episode

    2. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      They’re all awful people who deserve to be locked up! Mental programme.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        +1

    3. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      Still can't quite process the insanity of it all. Non-stop wtf

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        Just got to the “Here Kitty, Kitty” music video recording by Joe-E about Carol-B...

        There are no words...

  7. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 12 months ago

    What happened to the other article?

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      Accidentally scheduled/published by me, was meant to go out tomorrow morning.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        No worries. I thought maybe I was imagining things. Wouldn't be the first time.

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      What was it about Epic? Can you give me a sneak preview?

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        It was something about what the Elite managers are getting up to during the postponement.

        It's the first time I've been featured in an article for a long time.

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 12 months ago

          How many times was I mentioned in the article?

          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 12 months ago

            Zero

      2. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 12 months ago

        I caught a glimpse of that article. I think SK was in his Twin Peaks mode. I'm sure I saw a unicorn being riden by a naked 'Arry Redknapp as the pic. I could be mistaken but a naked 'Arry Redknapp was all the more reason to pull it.

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 12 months ago

          Skonto's dream.......

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKBRyNNW3u0

          1. Skonto Rigga
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 12 months ago

            My next five-a-side goal celebration when we're allowed back outside:

            https://youtu.be/h0YI_eHg3Aw?t=13

            1. GivetNgog
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 12 months ago

              Nice Neale

            2. GivetNgog
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 12 months ago

              Oh lost rest of comment. It's Stu - don''t say much on here but popped on to see what's up & saw you were on! Should be arriving at Warren & Ckaudia's for holiday tomorrow dammit. Hope you're well (as can be)!

              1. Skonto Rigga
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 12 months ago

                Ah great to hear from you, Stu! I'm grand thanks, hope you're staying safe amid all this. That's a shame, bet you were looking forward to seeing them. Fingers crossed you can get over later in the year? Time to dig out the old Champ Man CDs...

  8. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 12 months ago

    Been deleted along with previous article, it made me laugh so might lift your mood.

    https://youtu.be/SRLFMWNpUDU

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      Hahahaha, rolled gold, that is!

  9. Poseidon.
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 12 months ago

    https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/11967048/marcus-rashford-would-relish-jadon-sancho-signing-at-man-utd

    Rashy’s given us the go ahead to sign Sancho. It’s on bros.

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      Lovely write up on Bruno here:

      https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51977812

  10. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 12 months ago

    Price Changes - 2nd April 2020

    🔺  Mané (12.5)

    🔻  D.Gray (5.0), L.Gibson (4.2), Foulquier (3.9)

    1. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      Cheers TM 🙂

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      Cheers TM.

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      Lord Foulquier is a bit of a bargain now

    4. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      Season looks over though :/

    5. CroatianHammer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      Dancer!

      1-0 get in my son...

  11. Camino Aleatorio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 12 months ago

    Oh No - Rumor is UK is locked down for a year.

    No EPL in summer

    Seriously, this should motivate a footy fan that works for a medical company to hurry up with the vaccine

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 12 months ago

      Rumour ? 🙂

  12. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 12 months ago

    morning all, hope you guys are well

    what do you think about prem clubs furloughing low paid staff but still paying full wages to players? not the best optics at this time

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52120578

    Bayern, Barcelona and juve are amongst clubs taking pay cuts for players