Eintracht Frankfurt's Commerzbank Arena is reportedly "being lined up by UEFA to host a Europa League mini-tournament in August." The final was due to be held in the Polish city of Gdansk, but UEFA is "preparing contingency plans to move the final away due to the impact of the coronavirus crisis." With UEFA "now aiming to complete the tournament with a mini-tournament from the quarterfinal stage," the final is likely to be moved from Gdansk to Frankfurt due to the German city "possessing the infra-structure required to host eight teams and provide stadium and training facilities for those clubs involved." Frankfurt am Main Int'l Airport, "one of the world's major transport hubs, is also regarded as a key element to the city's ability to ensure ease of travel for all participants" (ESPN.com, 6/9).
Meanwhile, UEFA's preferred plan is to hold the remainder of the Champions League "from August 3 to August 23," with a "final eight" playing in a single-elimination tournament, according to sources. The four remaining round of 16 matches "would be played between August 3 and 10." Then, quarter and semifinals would be played in a "single-elimination format at a unique site in order to simplify health protocols." The final is "expected" to be played in Lisbon on August 23, although Frankfurt "remains a possibility." The Europa League final is "expected to be held" on August 21 (RMC SPORT, 6/10).
