Brussels (AFP)
After the Netherlands and France, Belgium: Belgian football officials formalized the largely anticipated end of the 2019-20 Championship on Friday due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"According to the provisions of the Ministerial Decree of May 8, 2020, the General Assembly of the Pro League has established that the sports competitions are canceled until July 31, 2020", announced the Pro League, the Belgian professional league, in a press release .
"Consequently, the General Assembly voted to accept the classification of the Jupiler Pro League after 29 days of the championship and the cessation of the competition considered as accomplished", continued the league, thus granting the title of champion to FC Bruges, leader with 70 points and 15 lengths ahead of its first pursuer at the time of the interruption of the championship.
Belgium thus imitates France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and even Cyprus who have decided to stop their championship.
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 assembly, particularly in the face of the warnings from UEFA, which has continued to push for a resumption of competitions during the summer.
A few days after the final cessation of football in the Netherlands, French football had taken the same decision on April 30 following the announcement by Prime Minister Édouard Philippe that the 2019-2020 professional sports season could not resume.
- "An incredible year" -
In Belgium, the next season will be contested again with 16 clubs. It will end with play-offs involving four teams (instead of six in recent seasons), for the title and the three European tickets.
Bruges qualified for the next group stage of the Champions League while La Gantoise, 2nd, will compete in the third preliminary round of the C1.
Charleroi, Antwerp and Standard de Liège will compete in the Europa League, while the Waasland-Beveren red lantern is relegated to D2.
Due to this crisis, Club Bruges cannot celebrate its 16th Belgian championship title with its supporters. But to compensate for this absence, the "Blauw en Zwart" will organize a virtual show on Sunday.
It will start at 5.30 p.m. (3.30 p.m. GMT) and can be followed on Facebook and YouTube.
"The whole family of the Club will be even more united on this special day. Gather your friends and meet up at our virtual party!" can we read on the club's website.
Captain Ruud Vormer spoke briefly to the supporters in a video message.
"Dear supporters, congratulations on winning the title," said the Dutchman. "It was a fantastic year, actually an incredible year. We really enjoyed it, thanks to you too. Because without you it wouldn't have worked, I think".
© 2020 AFP