“No evidence” for link between EM and coronavirus infections

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has denied a connection between spectator entry to the European Football Championship and the increasing number of coronavirus infections in several participating countries.

“So far I have not seen any evidence that there is a connection,” the head of the European Football Association (UEFA) told IM. BBC-Podcast “The Sports Desk”.

Referring specifically to the preliminary round match between England and Scotland, he said that “20,000 Scottish fans flock to London without tickets. And if you go to the pub or anywhere else you are not tempted. Blame football.” From my point of view is irresponsible.” According to scientific surveys, about 2000 new infections in Scotland can be traced back to the “Battle of Britain”.

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Overall, Ceferin was “extremely relieved” that the tournament, which ended with the England-Italy final on Sunday, ended without any significant coronavirus incident between the teams. The 53-year-old Slovene said he himself had been “tested 76 times”. All teams “acted in a very professional manner” and respected the bubble system.

Rainbow debate: Ceferin defends UEFA action

In relation to the rainbow controversy surrounding the preliminary round match between the German national team and Hungary in Munich on 23 June, the UEFA boss defended his union’s action highly critical of having no choice: “The problem in the specific situation is was that we received a request, which was about protests against a government in Europe. UEFA’s statute does not allow protests against a government. We will not engage in a political fight. But our position on diversity is clear. is. “

UEFA rejected the Munich City Council’s proposal to light the stadium in rainbow colors in protest against the anti-gay policies of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. According to UEFA, the Continental Union was “a politically and religiously neutral” organization because of its statutes.

Ceferin rejected a new pan-European EM under his leadership. “It is not fair that some teams had to travel more than 10,000 kilometers and others only 1,000. It was not fair to the fans either,” he said. “It’s an interesting idea, but it’s hard to implement. I don’t think we can do it again.” Ceferin’s predecessor Michel Platini launched the format in 2012. EM 2024 takes place in Germany.

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