This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin expressed confidence that football with fans will return soon, despite the challenges posed by 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. However, the Bundesliga made a successful return to action behind closed doors at 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, Ceferin told the Guardian, 'Yes, I would. I don't know why it wouldn't be.'
He also expressed optimism that normal service could be resumed in the near future, stating, 'I'm absolutely sure, personally, that good old football with fans will come back very soon.'
On the potential impact of the pandemic on football, Ceferin said, 'Football didn't change after the Second World War, or First World War, and it will not change because of a virus either.'
Published on May 21, 2020
