Brussels (AFP)
The Belgian government announced Wednesday to suspend the organization of all sports competitions in the country until July 31, paving the way for a permanent end to the football season as desired by the majority of professional clubs in Belgium.
This decision was "acted" in the wake of a press release from the Pro League, the association of Belgian clubs, which will study the "terms of closing the season" at its general meeting scheduled for May 15.
In the event of a permanent cessation of competition, FC Bruges, leading at the time of the stoppage of the Belgian championship due to the coronavirus in mid-March, would be crowned champion, according to the Pro League.
"The Pro League takes note of the decision taken today by the National Security Council which plans to cancel professional football competitions until July 31. It goes without saying that the Pro League and its clubs will respect this decision" , indicates the press release of the Belgian clubs.
Belgium was the first European country to announce in early April that it was considering ending its championship due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But the decision was awaiting ratification at the general meeting, particularly in the face of the warnings from UEFA, which has continued to push for a resumption of competitions during the summer.
If the Pro League approves as expected the final end of the season and the freezing of the classification, Belgium would become the third European country to close the 2019-2020 financial year in advance after the Netherlands and France.
Conversely, Germany obtained the government green light on Wednesday with a view to resuming the Bundesliga. England, Spain and Italy are also considering a recovery.
In Belgium, the restart of collective training will be authorized from June 15.
© 2020 AFP