UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has fears for the future of world soccer as we know it, but he’s pretty hopeful.
Speaking in a lengthy Q&A with the Associated Press, Ceferin says this is an unprecedented challenge for the sport.
“I would say it is the biggest crisis that football faced in history. But it’s also a possibility to, as you said, to reset some things, put some things differently. And honestly speaking, I’m optimistic about the future. We will have to be a bit careful at the beginning, but we are capable of coming back.”
[ MORE: Premier League schedule ]
Obviously soccer dealt with the a pair of world wars and countless regional traumas but the modern, rich era has not seen much like the halting of the sport by coronavirus.
Ceferin was speaking following the postponement of EURO 2020, which is now EURO 2021.
The UEFA president said he was heartened by the showing of a similar mindset between the world’s confederations and national leagues.
“The ecosystem is fragile. We have to be very careful because we depend on each other and it also shows how important football is for people, for fans, because we always say football is about players and football is about fans. It’s not about us football administrators and we shouldn’t think we are the stars of the game.”
More coronavirus connections to soccer:
- Juventus confirm that World Cup-winning midfielder Blaise Matuidi has joined defender Daniele Rugani in testing positive for coronavirus.
- FIFA released a statement on coronavirus.
- EURO 2020 postponed to the summer of 2021.
- Which soccer leagues are still playing?
- Mason Mount breaks self-isolation and ‘reminded of responsibilities’ by Chelsea.
- The Premier League has postponed play through at least April 3. Aston Villa’s chief executive called it “a very good decision” while Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said we must “protect each other.”
- CONCACAF has suspended play for a month, while UEFA postponed all fixtures next week ahead of a meeting to discuss plans for both club and international European competitions including the Champions League and Europa League.
- Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi is the first Premier League player to test positive for coronavirus.
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested posted for coronavirus and the players and staff at the club are self-isolating.
- MLS announced its 2020 season is suspended for at least 30 days.
- Three Leicester City players are in self-isolation after displaying symptoms of coronavirus.
- Real Madrid players in isolation and La Liga games suspended for the next two weeks after Real basketball player tests positive for coronavirus.
- Serie A is considering alternative ways to conclude its scudetto and relegation races, including playoffs or the non-awarding of a champion.