FIGC President Gabriele Gravina insists “Euro 2020 has to be postponed” due to the Coronavirus pandemic, as “the priority is concluding the leagues.”
The decision to call off Euro 2020 seems inevitable on Tuesday when UEFA hold an emergency meeting, as players have tested positive in several different countries, while the top five continental leagues have been suspended.
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina insists “Euro 2020 has to be postponed” due to the Coronavirus pandemic, as “the priority is concluding the leagues.”
The decision to call off Euro 2020 seems inevitable on Tuesday when UEFA hold an emergency meeting, as players have tested positive in several different countries, while the top five continental leagues have been suspended.
“Nobody ever expected to face an emergency like this,” Gravina told Il Messaggero. “I tried to work with the institutions, the clubs, the Federation and the Government. It was not easy.
“The FIGC took on the responsibility of bringing everyone together for a single credible solution. Italian football ultimately showed its maturity and sense of collective responsibility.”
It remains to be seen how, or even if, the Serie A and B seasons will reach a conclusion, although there should be more time if Euro 2020 doesn’t kick off on June 12.
“We’re waiting for Tuesday’s UEFA summit and the proposal that President Aleksandr Ceferin will put forward. We were the first to suggest the international calendar be revisited, because considering how far in we are with the various seasons, finishing the club competitions – both domestic league and cup tournaments – must be the priority.”
Serie A clubs have already rejected the idea of play-offs and play-outs for the Scudetto and relegation, but Gravina warns it’s not entirely up to them.
“Our first objective, compatible with the general situation in the country, is to conclude the Serie A season as planned. If not, I put forward three options that the Lega can discuss, but ultimately we as FIGC will make the definitive decision.
“The idea of play-offs and play-outs was an old suggestion that could be useful if we are left with very few dates left to play in. The number of teams participating depends on the formula, but it would certainly be an interesting event for everyone and an exciting end to the season.”