The final eight of the Champions League which UEFA has prepared to take place in Lisbon is in danger. The Portuguese government decreed the lockdown of 19 of the 24 districts in the capital because, for the 4th day in a row, there are more infections than recoveries in the country.
The resolution of the Champions League is in serious danger. There are less than two months, it will take place in Lisbon and the Portuguese government has ordered a lockdown of 19 of the 24 districts in the city. The reason? There are more infections than recoveries for the fourth day in a row.
The newspaper 'El País' informs of it, adding that out of the 311 infections registered on Wednesday 24th June, 77% are from the capital. Out of the six deaths which have been reported, 4 are from there. Hence they have taken such strict measures in the metropolitan area.
The country's government has appealed to the "civic duty to stay home". This, translated into what its inhabitants may or may not do, boils down to the following: it is permitted to go out only and exclusively to work or to shop. Popular markets are once again prohibited.
This outbreak, if it is not controlled, could end up with the cancellation of the Champions League final eight which UEFA had prepared. Although it would be allowed - again, if it were to continue - to go to work, which is what the clubs would do, football may be restricted. The Portuguese league, however, is still being played behind closed doors at the moment.
As UEFA announced, the quarter-finals, which will mark the start of the one legged final eight in Lisbon, will be between the 12th and 15th August. The semi-finals will be on the 18th and 19th, and the final on the 23rd. With regards to the last 16, clubs will be told soon if matches will be played in Portugal or at their stadiums.