‘Football With Fans Will Be Back Soon’ – UEFA Chief Says Even As Premier League Confirms Six COVID-19 Positive Tests

By Edna Wande Last updated May 20, 2020

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has expressed confidence that “good old football with fans will come back very soon” despite the ongoing global fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Domestic and continental club competitions were halted across Europe in mid-March due to the COVID-19 crisis and Euro 2020 was postponed.

The Bundesliga made a successful return to action behind closed doors over the weekend and many other leagues are preparing to resume in front of empty stands.

When asked whether he would bet a million dollars that Euro 2020 would be played in 2021, the chief of European football’s governing body told the Guardian;

Yes, I would. I don’t know why it wouldn’t be. I don’t think that this virus will last forever. I think it will change sooner than many think. I don’t like this apocalyptic view that we have to wait for the second and third waves or even a fifth wave.

Ceferin stated that football would follow the recommendations of the authorities but he is optimistic that normal service could be resumed in the near future.

He added that;

I’m absolutely sure, personally, that good old football with fans will come back very soon.

Also, Ceferin said he did not expect the game to be profoundly changed by the coronavirus, saying;

Football didn’t change after the Second World War, or First World War, and it will not change because of a virus either.

Meanwhile, six Premier League members have tested positive for coronavirus after the first phase of mass testing.

A total of 748 tests have been carried out over the weekend and it is unclear whether they include players, non-playing staff or a combination of both.

Officials have said anyone who tests positive must now self-isolate for seven days and cannot attend the club training ground.

The clubs and individuals have not been disclosed by the Premier League for data protection reasons. The second phase of mass testing is expected to start later this week.