After months of confinement due to Covid-19, and a footballing stalemate, the recovery is gradually getting under way. Sebastien Riera, head of a communications and public relations agency, takes stock of the European championship calendar.
A smooth recovery depending on the country
Fans were feverishly awaiting the resumption of football after months without a football pitch. While in France, the 2019-2020 Ligue 1 (and Ligue 2) season ended prematurely following the announcement by Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on 30 April, the situation was different in other countries.
Some leagues have resumed, such as the Bundesliga in Germany, which was played behind closed doors from Saturday 16 May. La Liga resumed on 11 June and the Premier League on 17 June.
These suspensions or resumptions have been the subject of much discussion, with opinions differing as to the merits of these decisions.
What about the next championships?
# The Champions League
Football fans were looking forward to it, and it shouldn’t be long before they’re enjoying it: the Champions League is back soon! However, new rules are expected in order to adapt to the provisions inherent in Covid-19. Coaches will have the opportunity to make five changes, but also to enlarge their squad to 23 players instead of the usual 18. It should also be noted that there will only be one match, rather than the usual two. All the matches will take place in Lisbon.
UEFA has recently communicated the dates for the resumption of the competition, which is expected to take place (unless changed) as follows:
- Round of 16 second leg: 7 and 8 August
- FC Barcelona – Napoli
- Bayern Munich – Chelsea
- Manchester City – Real Madrid
- Juventus – Olympique Lyonnais
- Quarter-finals: 12-15 August
- Semi-finals: 18-19 August
- Final: August 23rd
# The Europa League
Another great footballing highlight is the Europa League. Its calendar has also just been unveiled, as well as the locations where the competition will be held, namely in Germany, but in four different cities : Cologne, Duisburg, Düsseldorf and Gelsenkirchen.
You will be able to watch the matches on the following dates:
- Round of 16: 5 and 6 August.
- Quarter-finals: 10 and 11 August
- Semi-finals: 16 and 17 August
- Final: 21 August
# The Euro 2020
UEFA took the decision to postpone Euro 2020 until 2021 (11 June to 11 July) due to the global pandemic linked to Covid-19. This is an opportunity for the suspended European leagues to complete their tournaments.
UEFA explains its decision was made in a concern “not to put unnecessary pressure on the national public services” of its 12 host countries, while contributing to the completion of national competitions.
