Leagues across Europe should cancel what remains of the 2019-20 season and begin focusing on ways to start the 2020-21 campaign in a safe manner, Michel D’Hooghe, the chair of FIFA’s medical committee, said Tuesday.
“My proposal is if it is possible, avoid playing competitive football in the coming weeks,” D’Hooghe told BBC Sport. “Try to be prepared for the start of good competition next season.”
UEFA said Tuesday leagues will get until May 25 to determine whether seasons can be restarted. The Netherlands’ Eredivisie became the first major domestic competition to end the campaign prematurely, with no elected champion, or promotion or relegation.
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe also announced the top two flights of French football, Ligue 1 and 2, would be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A are all exploring ways to safely resume training ahead of a potential restart.
“There is a risk and it is not a risk that has small consequences,” D’Hooghe said.
“It can have consequences of life and death and that is why I am so careful and I ask everyone to be very careful before deciding to play again,” he added. “I …read more