PSG plan to play Champions League in Qatar after France cancel sport - 7M sport

PSG plan to play Champions League in Qatar after France cancel sport

PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi says the French club will adhere to the French government's ruling that no sport should be played in the country until September


Posted Wednesday, April 29, 2020 by Dailystar.co.uk

PSG are ready to play their remaining European games in Qatar as the French authorities call a day on the 2019/20 season.

The French outfit are 12 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and await a decision from the league's chiefs as to whether they will be crowned champions.

French prime minister Edouard Philippe has brought a stop to all 'major sporting events, especially football, before September, even behind closed doors'.

But PSG's Qatari president Nasser al-Khelaifi says the club are already preparing to make alternative arrangements.

"We respect the decision of the French government," he said on Tuesday.

PSG plan to play Champions League in Qatar after France cancel sport
Paris Saint Germain president Nasser Al Khelaifi admits the club could play elsewhere (Image: GETTY)

"With the agreement of UEFA, we intend to participate in the final phase of the Champions League at the places and dates organised.

"If it is not possible to play in France, we will play our matches abroad while ensuring the best health security conditions for our players and all our staff.”

Ending the season will have a huge financial impact on the French game with broadcasters in particular.

PSG plan to play Champions League in Qatar after France cancel sport
Neymar and the PSG team may be forced to play abroad

Both beIN Sports and Canal Plus having withheld the final instalment of domestic television money until the season was completed.

But football bosses around the world are being urged to not rush back onto the pitch by FIFA's medical chairman.

"The world is not ready for competitive football, I hope this can change very quickly and I sincerely hope that. Today you need more patience," Michel D'Hooghe said.

PSG plan to play Champions League in Qatar after France cancel sport
That's the end of the French football season

"This is the most dramatic situation we have lived in since the Second World War. We should not underestimate it, we must be realistic.

"Football can only be possible if contact is possible again.

"Football remains a contact sport and avoiding contact is one of the first things everyone says is that you should avoid contact.

"It's still about social distancing. Testing is an important point but you have to repeat them. If one of the players becomes positive, you have to put the whole group into quarantine. Is that a solution for a normal competition?"



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