Euro 2020 was postponed until next year as Uefa make plans to complete the European club season, with news about the Champions League and Europa League coming “in due course”.
The move comes as the continent of Europe looks to come to grips with Covid-19 crisis after being named the new epicentre of the global pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
An Uefa statements says: “Uefa announced the postponement of its flagship national team competition, Uefa EURO 2020, due to be played in June and July.
“The health of all those involved in the game is the priority, as well as to avoid placing any unnecessary pressure on national public services involved in staging matches.
POSTPONED: UEFA President Aleskander Ceferin has postponed the domestic tournaments to 2021. Picture: Peter Dejong/AP.
“The move will help all domestic competitions, currently on hold due to the Covid-19 emergency, to be completed.”
The EURO 2020 Playoff matches and international friendlies, scheduled for the end of March, will now be played in the international window at the start of June, subject to a review of the situation.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: “We are at the helm of a sport that vast numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible and fast-moving opponent.
UEFA, the European Club Association, European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe today signed a joint resolution on the principles of a contingency plan regarding the 2019-20 season.
— UEFA (@UEFA) March 17, 2020
The principles include details on the completion of national team and club competitions…
“It is at times like these, that the football community needs to show responsibility, unity, solidarity and altruism.”
The Uefa statements adds: “Decisions on dates for other Uefa competitions, whether club or national team for men or women, will be taken and announced in due course.”