UEFA, FIFA at loggerheads as key football return update contradicts grim reality check
Governing body of European football has continuously encouraged clubs to explore all options before calling time on the current campaign.
Tim Meyer believes it is “definitely possible” to restart with the 2019/20 season despite COVID-19 wreaking havoc across the globe.
But the UEFA medical chief’s upbeat message comes 24 hours after his FIFA counterpart Michel D’Hooghe insisted the beautiful game wasn’t ready to exit cold storage.
The governing body of European football has encouraged clubs to explore all options before calling time on the current campaign with big questions surrounding the outcome of this season’s Champions League and Europa League lying in wait.
UEFA have set a deadline of May 25 for their 55 associations to make a final decision on how to end the season.
Meanwhile, the Premier League appear determined to plough forward with ‘Project Restart’ – despite Ligue 1 becoming the latest league ending their current campaign across the Channel.
And Meyer believes football can make a return if clubs and decision makers ensure the safety of those involved in getting the game back.
The medical expert said: “In discussing any return to playing competitive, elite level football, the health of the players, all those involved in potential games and the public at large is of paramount importance.
“All football organisations which are planning the restart of their competitions will produce comprehensive protocols dictating sanitary and operational conditions ensuring that the health of those involved in the games is protected and the integrity of public policy is preserved.
“Under these conditions and in full respect of local legislation, it is definitely possible to plan the restart of competitions suspended during the 2019-20 season.”
Those views are in sharp contrast to the no-nonsense message D’Hooge issued on Tuesday – as he believes plans for a quick-fire return are highly unlikely.
He said: “The world is not ready for competitive football. I hope this can change very quickly, I sincerely hope that, believe me.
“This is not a matter of money but a matter of life and death.
“That’s why I ask everybody to be very, very careful before starting competitions again in the different nations.
“It is a terrible responsibility for the moment and I have a lot of objections at the moment.
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“First of all nearly all the countries say you should keep the social distancing.
“Well I don’t think you can play the Premier League when the players are obliged to remain two metres from each other.”