1. Why has UEFA created Return to Play?
With governments having eased national lockdowns enforced to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, national associations across Europe have adapted to football’s ‘new normal’. Many resumed their domestic championships behind closed doors.
Consistent with our commitment to clubs and national associations to postpone the return of UEFA tournaments to allow the completion of their domestic seasons, our elite European competitions were pushed back to start in August.
UEFA’s Executive Committee announced revised formats, calendars and venues for almost all of our club and national team competitions, starting with the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Women’s Champions League and UEFA Youth League – all being played to a conclusion in August.