CONMEBOL Postpones 2020 Copa America; UEFA Yet to Rearrange Champions League Final

CONMEBOL have confirmed the delay of the 2020 Copa America by 12 months to 2021, mirroring the similar delay of Euro 2020 by UEFA, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As yet, UEFA have not made a formal decision over the rearrangement of the 2020 Champions League final or Europa League final, which had both initially been scheduled for late May.

The 47th edition of the Copa America, to be hosted jointly by Argentina and Colombia, will now be played from 11 June to 11 July 2021, the same dates as the new European Championship.

A statement from CONMEBOL read, “The Confederation, with its president Alejandro Domínguez in charge, along with the 10 presidents of the different member associations, considers that an event of this magnitude deserves that all the attention and effort be focused on its organization.

“Today’s priority is in the background to protect the health and safety of the national teams, fans, the media and host cities.”

UEFA’s own statement confirmed the already known postponement of Euro 2020, which had initially been reported by Norway’s football federation.

But the communication from Europe’s governing body did not address rearranged date for the final of either the Champions League or Europa League.

It had been rumoured in Spain that a proposed new date for the Champions League final in Istanbul is 27 June, with the Europa League final in Gdansk potentially going ahead on 24 June.

However, there is nothing concrete yet as other factors, such as how the pandemic will impact the resumption of the last 16, quarter-final and semi-final stages.

UEFA confirmed, “Decisions on dates for other UEFA competitions, whether club or national team for men or women, will be taken and announced in due course.”

“This means that clubs and leagues in Europe will have as little disruption as possible in the availability of their players. These joint efforts and especially this coordinated and responsible decision, are deeply appreciated by the whole European football community.”

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