Following fears over the coronavirus pandemic, UEFA have announced the suspension of all European finals this season, including the Women’s Champions League.

The final was due to be played in Vienna on the 24th May, but it was decided that there was no possibility of concluding all relevant matches prior to this date.

UEFA officials are thus attempting to devise a strategy whereby the knockout-stages will be able to take place, without being a detriment to domestic leagues. So far, no decision has been finalised but the possibility of mini-tournaments in neutral cities has been discussed. Weekend matches are another option, after European clubs agreed to this suggestion, but this would likely clash with the re-scheduling of domestic leagues.

This year’s Women’s Champions League has reached the quarter-final stage, with the first-leg of matches due to be played this week. Atletico Madrid were at home to Barcelona in an all Spanish clash, whilst holders Lyon played host to Bayern Munich. Glasgow City were meant to face Wolfsburg, whilst Arsenal, the only English team left in the draw were scheduled to host Paris Saint-Germain.

Unlike the men’s competitions, the Women’s Champions League already utilises mini-tournaments as a formula and has found it surprisingly successful. Given that none of the quarter-final ties have been played yet, it is not out of the question that UEFA will split the eight teams into two groups of 4. The winners of each respective group could advance to the final, which could then be played in either June or July.

Whilst all of these options are hypothetical at present, every arsenal fan, every football fan and every sports fan in general will be praying that the tournament does get concluded in some way shape, or form.