The implications of coronavirus across the globe has led to major changes to the sporting calendar and football across Europe has faced major disruption.
A number of matches in the Champions League took place behind closed doors this week and it is expected that next week’s clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City will be postponed, with the Spanish team in isolation after a member of the basketball squad tested positive for coronavirus.
Two Europa League matches scheduled for Thursday evening have also been postponed, after Getafe refused to travel to Italy for their match with Inter Milan and Roma were refused entry to Spain for their match against Sevilla.
French outlet L’Equipe is now the latest to report that both UEFA competitions this season will be suspended and the European Championships will be moved back to the end of next season.
That would allow for the Premier League and EFL, as well as other leagues across Europe, to be extended into the summer months that are usually reserved for the end of season international competitions.
Usually, the season in England draws to a close in May, with the European Championships kicking off in June and ending in July, before the start of the new season at the end of August.
By removing the European Championships from the equation, the season could be extended in June, where remaining matches would be played, with July and the start of August remaining clear for pre-season.
However, such action would likely lead to a delay at the start of the season, which could see a later end at the end of the campaign, and the situation is made difficult by the World Cup in Qatar.
That competition is set to take place in winter, rather than the summer, due to the high temperatures in the Middle East but that is already leading to disruption in the European leagues.
