PSG confirm they WILL play remaining Champions League fixtures abroad after France rules out sporting events until at least September in latest coronavirus lockdown measures
- Paris Saint-Germain have already qualified for the Champions League last eight
- They would have to play two more home games to win the competition
- UEFA hopes to restart tournament in August, with final at the end of the month
- But the French government has banned football matches until at least September
- PSG chairman has stated they will play ‘home’ games abroad to fulfil fixtures
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Paris Saint-Germain has confirmed they will play their remaining ‘home’ fixtures in the Champions League abroad after sporting events in France were banned until at least September.
The French government have announced that in a bid to contain the coronavirus outbreak, football games – even behind closed doors – will not be allowed.
This left PSG’s participation in the Champions League in doubt as the competition is pencilled to restart in August with a completion by the end of the month. You can check the fixtures of the upcoming Champions League games here on TV sport guide website
However, PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said in a statement that while they respect the actions of the French government, they fully intend to feature in Europe’s premier club competition by playing their home fixtures outside of France.
‘We respect of course the French Government decision,’ Nasser Al-Khelaifi said.
‘We plan on competing in the Champions League with UEFA agreement – wherever and whenever it is held. If it is not possible to play in France we will play our matches abroad subject to the best conditions for our players and the safety of all our staff.’
Nasser Al-Khelaifi stated PSG would continue to play in this season’s Champions League
Lyon, another French side who remain in the tournament, are yet to disclose their plans for competing but will likely follow suit.
PSG have already booked a place in the quarter-finals after defeating Borussia Dortmund 3-2 shortly before the pandemic brought football to a halt across the continent.
It means that if the French champions wish to win the tournament for the first time they will have to play two of their remaining ‘home ties’ abroad in the quarter-finals and semi-final stage.
Thomas Tuchel’s side do risk heading into the competition undercooked though following the announcement on Tuesday that this season French top-flight has been cancelled, owing to the government’s measurements.
PSG was leading Ligue 1 and it is likely they will be awarded their seventh top-flight title in eight years.
The French champions are into the quarter-finals after defeating Borussia Dortmund 3-2