Ok, let's break down what today's UEFA meeting means for Champions League and Europa League qualification.
Firstly, UEFA has effectively taken "null and void" off the table because access must be "based on sporting merit in the 2019/20 domestic competitions".
Firstly, UEFA has effectively taken "null and void" off the table because access must be "based on sporting merit in the 2019/20 domestic competitions".
Obviously, UEFA wants everyone to finish their seasons, but it accepts this may not be possible if:
- governments place an official order prohibiting sports events
- continuing the season creates insurmountable economic problems and risks long-term financial instability
- governments place an official order prohibiting sports events
- continuing the season creates insurmountable economic problems and risks long-term financial instability
If a league cannot be completed in full, UEFA prefers leagues to finish the season with a different format, which suggests possible small playoff systems.
"Preferable domestic competitions restart with a different format in a manner which would facilitate sporting merit."
"Preferable domestic competitions restart with a different format in a manner which would facilitate sporting merit."
This playoff system will work in very tight situations (Real Sociedad/Getafe; Ajax/AZ), but it could be tricky to organise fairly in many situations, especially if multiple teams are involved.
Like all of this, it will depend how much time is available.
Like all of this, it will depend how much time is available.
If seasons cannot be completed normally or via playoffs, clubs must be selected with "the ability to decide the final positions, having regard to the specific circumstances of each competition".
This means be places as they stand or points per game could be used, for instance.
This means be places as they stand or points per game could be used, for instance.
UEFA reiterates that if a league terminates without government decree or economic problems, clubs could be barred from next season's UEL and UCL.
UEFA can refuse an association's list if it hasn't been selected on sporting merit (objective, transparent and non-discriminatory).
UEFA can refuse an association's list if it hasn't been selected on sporting merit (objective, transparent and non-discriminatory).
Also, anyone reporting that this also applies this to Premier League relegation is incorrect.
Today's information relates purely to the access list provided to UEFA for the 2020-21 European competitions.
Today's information relates purely to the access list provided to UEFA for the 2020-21 European competitions.
Interesting the UEFA announcement follows "representations made by the football authorities in Belgium and Scotland".
Suggest UEFA will try to find a way to accommodate Rangers playing their UEL Round of 16 tie at Bayer Leverkusen AND Scotland's season being cancelled early.
Suggest UEFA will try to find a way to accommodate Rangers playing their UEL Round of 16 tie at Bayer Leverkusen AND Scotland's season being cancelled early.
