COVID-19: UEFA set to postpone Euro 2020 to 2021, put Champions League on hold

UEFA are ready to convene next week and announce that this summer’s European Championships will be postponed by a year, according to reports.

The Champions League and Europa League, which are in the midst of the knockout stages, are also set to be put on hold.

Sport is being increasingly hit by the growing spread of coronavirus with competitions throughout Europe being suspended.

And Europe’s governing body have invited a host of leading lights for a meeting that could have seismic consequences, reports L’Equipe.

A statement said: “UEFA has invited representations from the 55 member associations, together with the management of the European Association of European Clubs and Championships and a representative of FIFPro (players’ association) , to attend video conference meetings on Tuesday 17 March to discuss the response of European football to this event. The debates will cover all national and European competitions, including Euro 2020. ”

UEFA hope to conclude both the Champions League and the Europa League and didn’t want to be blocked by this summer’s Euros which were due to kick off on June 12.

Suspending the international tournament will have to be negotiated with FIFA however who had plans to hold a Club World Championships next summer.

League’s around the continent have already reacted with Serie A and La Liga postponing games for differing periods as they look to contain the spread.

It puts their Champions League clash with Manchester City next week in serious doubt.

PSG progressed past Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night in front of an empty stadium but Liverpool played Atletico Madrid at a packed Anfield.