Champions League final 8 set to be played behind closed doors

PARIS: The final eight of this season’s Champions League in Lisbon is set to go ahead behind closed doors after Uefa confirmed Thursday that all matches in European competitions would be played without spectators “until further notice” because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision also affects the four outstanding last 16, second-leg matches, as well as the remainder of this season’s Europa League and the women’s Champions League final eight, to be played in Spain in August.

“Several elements were taken into account by Uefa when making a decision, such as the protection of the health of all those involved in the matches as well as the public at large; a responsibility to provide the safest environment for matches in order to guarantee the progress of competitions; as well as ensuring sporting fairness within a very inconsistent landscape (with some countries allowing and some forbidding stadium attendances),” European football’s governing body said in a statement.

It added that “in light of the current situation, the Uefa Executive Committee felt it prudent to conclude that Uefa matches should take place behind closed doors until further notice.”