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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gabriel McKay

Celtic title latest as Belgians backtrack on controversial stance after 'constructive' UEFA talks

Belgium appear to be softening their stance on ending the Pro League early, after crisis talks with UEFA president Alexsander Ceferin.

It was announced this week that a plan to declare Club Brugge champions had been devised, with football shut down due to the coronavirus crisis.

That was seen as an important weather vane for the SPFL, who are considering declaring the Premiership table final and making Celtic champions.

However, UEFA were furious with the decision and warned that Belgian sides could be barred from Europe.

(SNS Group)

And after crisis talks on Friday it appears the Belgian stance is softening.

A statement from the URBSFA said: "This Thursday the Pro League Board of Directors unanimously decided that it was not desirable to continue the competition after June 30.

"The latter therefore formulated a unanimous opinion addressed to its general assembly not to resume the Jupiler Pro League for the 2019-2020 season.

"Numerous declarations followed.

"It was in this context that a discussion took place last night between Aleksander Ceferin, president of UEFA, and Mehdi Bayat, president of URBSFA.

"This discussion was constructive and the intention was expressed to reach a solution together.

"Therefore the recommendation to close the competition taken by the Pro League will be presented to the UEFA Executive Committee.

"As a reminder, the proposal by the board of directors must be submitted to the general assembly of the Pro League for approval.

"The aim is to preserve European places for Belgium for the 2020-21 season.

"We would also like to once again express our support for UEFA's approach, which is to come out of this corona crisis in solidarity."

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