April 30 – The head of the European Leagues umbrella body has hit back at FIFA’s medical chief for suggesting the season should be cancelled because of Covid-19.
Michel D’Hooghe said earlier this week that football should not return before September – even behind closed doors – for fear of a second spike of coronavirus deaths.
But Lars-Christer Olsson, who is also a UEFA executive committee member, disagrees vehemently.
“The head of the FIFA medical committee needs to keep his advice to himself,” Olsson was quoted as saying.
“He has no idea what’s happening in each country – he does not have the complete data.”
“He must understand his words are perceived not as the opinion of a private person, but as a representative of FIFA. In Europe most want to finish the season if it’s possible.”
Olsson has warned, however, that the coronavirus could impact on the international football calendar for “two or three years”.
Euro 2020 has already been postponed to 2021 and national leagues and continental club competitions are on hold. Even the Qatar World Cup, set to take place from November 21-December 18 2022, is not 100% free from corona knock-on effects, said Olsson.
Asked during a SIGA/Soccerex webinar how long he thought the international calendar could be affected, he replied: “Probably two or three years I think.”
“If the virus is developing in an even more serious way as it’s been for the time being, there will definitely be a problem with the international calendar.
“When some of the competitions are moved from one year to another…and then the Qatar World Cup is coming in the middle of the European season and you have to squeeze in domestic and international competitions.
“But I think we have to wait and see how that is going to affect the business.”
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