UEFA considering one-legged knockout matches for UCL, Europa ties; postpones finals

The European football governing body, UEFA says it is considering making some Champions League and Europa League knockout ties to be played over one leg.

This was revealed on Monday after the football body said the finals of all major competitions, including the Women’s champions league, have been postponed.

“No decision has yet been made on rearranged dates,” it said in a statement on its official website.

UEFA had earlier suspended the club competitions because of the deadly coronavirus pandemic, and there was no possibility of the competitions reaching their scheduled conclusion at the end of May.

Read Also: ‘European football aiming to resume mid-May’

In the Champions League, four last-16 ties have been concluded, while the second legs of the other four are still to take place. In the Europa League, six first-leg ties have been played but two remain outstanding.

The outstanding ties might now be decided by a single game, with the venue to be decided by the toss of a coin.

If the decision is upheld, then the quarter-finals and semi-finals could also be played over a single game.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now