Italy federation chief to ask UEFA to postpone 2020 European Championship

Published on: 15 March 2020

Steve Nicol thinks domestic leagues finishing out their seasons is the only fair way to decide titles.

Julien Laurens explains why how the coronavirus' impact on football should result in delaying Euro 2020.

Gab Marcotti outlines the complexities of postponing Euro 2020 until next year due to coronavirus.

The Italian football federation is planning to ask UEFA to postpone the 2020 European Championship so that they can complete play in Serie A by June 30.

Federation president Gabriele Gravina told Mediaset TV: "The hope is to finish by June 30. And we'll need to insert the Champions League and Europa League also. The deadline is June 30, then we'll eventually see if we need to exceed that.

"We'll propose to UEFA that they postpone the Euros."

The Euro, which takes place every four years, is scheduled to be hosted in 12 different countries in Europe, with the Stadio Olimpico in Rome slated to hold the opening match on June 12, plus three other games in the tournament.

Italy has been one of the hardest hit countries by the coronavirus pandemic, with sports around the world coming to a virtual standstill as governments look to prevent the spread of the disease.

All of Europe's major football leagues have suspended play, as has MLS in the United States and, as of Sunday night, Liga MX in Mexico. Top U.S. sports leagues like the NBA and NHL have also suspended play and on March 12 the NCAA cancelled the annual men's and women's basketball tournaments.

UEFA is set to hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday, with sources telling ESPN that postponing Euro 2020 is on the table.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.

Source: espn.co.uk

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