UEFA medical chief Michel D’Hooghe is sceptical about major football tournaments resuming this season. “It is not a matter of money, it is a matter of life and death.”
This would seem to be in contrast with the official UEFA position, which is to encourage domestic tournaments to reach a natural conclusion, even if it means changing the format to play-offs.
The French Government announced this afternoon that Ligue 1 and 2 will not play again until September, joining Belgium, the Netherlands and Argentina in declaring the 2019-20 season over.
UEFA medical chief Michel D’Hooghe is sceptical about major football tournaments resuming this season. “It is not a matter of money, it is a matter of life and death.”
This would seem to be in contrast with the official UEFA position, which is to encourage domestic tournaments to reach a natural conclusion, even if it means changing the format to play-offs.
The French Government announced this afternoon that Ligue 1 and 2 will not play again until September, joining Belgium, the Netherlands and Argentina in declaring the 2019-20 season over.
“We are all subject to decisions at national level from the public authorities. It is very simple. Football suddenly becomes not the most important thing in life,” UEFA medical chief D’Hooghe told The Daily Telegraph.
“I will be happy if we can start, in a convenient way, the next championship and have nothing before the start of next season.
“If they could start the season 2020-21 end of August or beginning of September I would be happy. Then they could eventually avoid a second attack from the virus, which is not impossible.
“Everyone has to be very careful for the moment. I have heard in many countries they are thinking about playing football again, with or without the public.
“In my long career I have seen many situations where there has been a balance between economic and health. Mostly the economics won, whether that was about jetlag or football at altitude or in extreme conditions such as pollution situations.
“If there is one circumstance where medical arguments should win against economical arguments, it is now. It is not a matter of money, it is a matter of life and death. It is very simple.”
The Bundesliga seems to be at a more advanced stage of preparedness, as they could resume from May 9, while Serie A are aiming for June 2.
Medical protocols have been drawn up, but the FIGC one was not considered sufficient and needs changes before it can be re-evaluated.
D’Hooghe warned there are some areas of the sport that make it extremely dangerous for spreading infection, including spitting and nose-blowing.