UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin says this season's Champions League and Europa League could be scrapped if they cannot be completed by August, adding that he'd prefer football to be played behind closed doors than not at all.
Ceferin admitted that spectators are crucial to football, but as the suspension of football continues due to the coronavirus pandemic, he would prefer games to be played in empty stadiums rather than not be played at all.
With travel across Europe most likely being restricted for some time yet, Ceferin has warned that European football's club competitions will have to be cut-off date.
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"The fact is that we really don't know much," the president of European football's governing body told ZDF Sportstudio.
"We are waiting for the development of this terrible situation in the world, and mainly in Europe. Football isn't the same without fans. But it is definitely better to play with fans than without fans.
"The thing is, football is absolutely not the same without spectators.
"But 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."
Pushed on whether the season could be abandoned totally, Ceferin said: "If the authorities do not allow us to play, then we cannot play.
"It must finish by August 3, both the Champions and Europa League.
"It is an extraordinary situation we are in, so we are flexible on dates and kick-off times. If the crisis eases earlier, then we can start sooner.
"We could play with the current system, or in a one-off match played on neutral turf. For now, it's just an option to play with a final eight or final four.
"The only wrong decision we could make now would be to play in a way that puts the health and safety of players, fans and referees at risk.
"However, if we are in secure conditions, then I don't see the problem."
The coronavirus pandemic has given UEFA plenty of work over recent weeks, with Financial Fair Play one of the matters that needs looking at.
Asked whether UEFA is considering postponing FFP for a year as proposed in Germany, Ceferin said: "It's definitely one of the possibilities.
"We have to be flexible because the clubs are in deep financial problems. They cannot perform the FFP now.
"For now, we are postponing it to see how the season goes, but we can decide either way. We are also looking at the German option."
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