Decision to suspend French season was premature – UEFA
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin believes that French football’s 2019/20 season was prematurely brought to an end and he doesn’t think a decision needed to be made when it was.
Ligue 1 has been brought to a close with Paris Saint-Germain declared champions, but both PSG and Lyon are still standing in the Champions League.
“The decision [to cancel the season] was premature,” Ceferin said.
“It’s my personal opinion that it was suspended too soon, and it’s not ideal because things can improve and play can return.
“But it’s a decision for the governments, and what can the clubs do? Only respect the decision.”
Ceferin’s frustration largely stems from PSG and Lyon’s continued participation in European competition.
“We have two French clubs in the Champions League,” he added, “and now they’re not going to play until August.
“I don’t know if not playing tough and competitive matches is good for the teams.
“Games will have to be played in France or a neutral country.
“They didn’t consult us because the decision was made by different organisations in France, but I don’t see why French authorities are prohibiting games without fans.”
Looking further afield though, Ceferin is confident that the majority of Europe’s leagues will finish, as will the Champions League and Europa League.
“We have a plan,” he said, “I think that most leagues will finish.
“UEFA will confirm the dates, but if everything goes as planned, European competitions will end in August.
“National leagues are somewhat different though – each one will decide separately.
“But 80 percent will finish playing the whole season.”
Playing out the rest of the campaign could cause an issue with the 2020/21 season, but the UEFA president doesn’t think there will be a problem.
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“It doesn’t seem as though the calendar [for next season] will be affected much,” Ceferin explained.
“There isn’t much room to change things and I think everything will remain the same.
“Some think it’ll start a little later, but only a few days.”