UEFA are considering plans to create a 'final four' tournament for their Champions League and Europa League hopefuls, which would take place in Turkey over a four-day period to allow teams to complete their domestic duties.
All the major European leagues have been brought to a standstill due to the fast-spreading coronavirus, which has infected thousands of people all over the world - including coaches and players.
With plenty of football left to play before the season ends, UEFA have drawn up a plan to form a 'final four' tournament, which according to AS, will be played over four days in the host nation Turkey.
The theory is to play a one-legged semi-final and final that would be contested in a single city, to allow time for the teams to conclude their league campaigns. The quick-fire end to the European competitions would also reduce expenses for supporters, who could witness both games without travelling across the continent.
Turkish cities Istanbul and Gdansk, which have already been chosen to host the Champions League and Europa League finals respectively, will remain as the two destinations for the final four playoff.
The idea is set to be put forward on Tuesday, when UEFA's 55 member associations hold a video conference to discuss the current Coronavirus issues.
However, UEFA's immediate priorities lie with completing the current round of European fixtures, which have seen several last 16 games postponed in the Champions League. The governing body will aim to complete the round of matches as soon as possible, and then they will likely turn the quarter-finals into one-legged affairs.
This means that the fixtures may either be played at a neutral ground, or at the home stadium of one of the two teams, giving them an immediate advantage over their opponents.
But all of these plans hinge on whether Euro 2020 will be rescheduled, or if they will push on with the tournament in the summer. Should they decide not to postpone the competition, then UEFA may need to come up with a new plan to finish the Champions League and Europa League.
Source : 90min