UEFA apparently considering new match mode

In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, speculation about possible options for the major football competitions continues.

As the Spanish newspaper “As” reported on Sunday, UEFA is considering the possibility of selecting the winner of the Champions League at a final tournament of the four semi-finalists.

This would allow both semi-finals to be played in Istanbul, rather than one match each with a return leg, shortly before the final of the top flight, scheduled for 30 May. Similarly, for the Europa League, such a format would take place before the final in Gdansk on 27 May.

Both Europa Cup competitions are currently suspended. In the Champions League, four round of 16 return matches are still to be played, while in the Europa League only six of the eight first legs of this round have been completed. With final tournaments, UEFA would gain time and give the national leagues room for necessary catch-up matches in late April and early May.