UEFA moves Champions League draw from Athens over health concerns

The draws for this season's Champions League and Europa League group stages have been moved from Athens due to COVID-19 concerns.

Published : Sep 09, 2020 19:11 IST , BERN

The Champions League group stage will start later than usual on October 20, a knock-on effect of the coronavirus pandemic which interrupted last season and caused it to finish in August.
The Champions League group stage will start later than usual on October 20, a knock-on effect of the coronavirus pandemic which interrupted last season and caused it to finish in August.
lightbox-info

The Champions League group stage will start later than usual on October 20, a knock-on effect of the coronavirus pandemic which interrupted last season and caused it to finish in August.

The draws for this season's Champions League and Europa League group stages have been moved from Athens because they would break local COVID-19 rules about large indoor gatherings, UEFA said on Wednesday.

The European football body said that the Champions League draw would instead take place without guests -- such as club representatives -- at its own headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on October 1 with the Europa League draw the following day in the same venue.

READ: Arteta rebuilds as Arsenal fans long for Champions League return

The decision followed talks with Greek authorities, UEFA said.

“All parties agreed that the top priority must remain public health and that it currently would not be possible to organise an event of such size with guests in Athens, as it would violate public health restrictions and constraints regarding indoor events,” said a UEFA statement.

The Champions League group stage will start later than usual on October 20, a knock-on effect of the coronavirus pandemic which interrupted last season and caused it to finish in August.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment