​UEFA have stressed that reports of a deadline to complete all Champions League matches this season by 3 August are not true, reiterating that the main priority is still ‘to preserve public health’.

There has been numerous reports published which have stated the Champions League will be cancelled if it can not be completed before 3 August, with these new outlets even writing that UEFA have confirmed that themselves.

But European football’s governing body have released a statement to assure fans that is not the case.

“It has been reported that UEFA President, Aleksander Čeferin told ZDF in Germany that the UEFA Champions League must finish by 3 August. This is not true,” UEFA’s statement read.

“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.”

Major leagues across Europe have been put on hold until more is known about the coronavirus outbreak, with the authorities refusing to provide an exact date for when it is safe to host football matches against – either behind closed doors or with fans in the stadium.

Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League have become trailblazers for those demanding the season is cancelled, with their league leaders Club Brugge crowned as the champions, while Gent will be given their other Champions League qualification place.

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