UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said that it was better to finish the Champions League and Europa League tournaments behind closed doors than not finishing the tournament.

“We are waiting for the development of this terrible situation in the world, and mainly in Europe. Football isn’t the same without fans … it is definitely better to play with fans than without fans.

“It is still better to play the game behind closed doors and have it on TV, which is what the people need and want because it brings positive energy to their homes, than not playing at all. That’s what the people want, that brings positive energy, and it will be July or August. We can’t play it out in September or October," said Ceferin.

UEFA was recently forced to put out a statement denying that Ceferin demanded the two tournaments conclude by August 3rd.

“The president was very clear not to set exact dates for the end of the season. Uefa is currently analysing all options to complete domestic and European seasons with the European Club Association and the European Leagues in the working group set up on 17 March. The primary priority of all the members of the working group is to preserve public health.

“Following on from that, it is to find calendar solutions to complete all competitions. Options are currently being studied to play matches in July and in August if needed, depending on restart dates and the permission of national authorities.”