‘Ridiculous’ – Exclusive: Whelan reacts to emergency video conference
Noel Whelan insisted it would be “ridiculous” if the European Championships went ahead without the domestic season being completed as Leeds United sweat on the potential of a null and void decision.
The former Elland Road striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, claimed finishing the current domestic seasons is “more important” than the international tournament.
The EFL agreed on Friday along with the FA and Premier League to suspend all action until April 3 due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
The postponement of fixtures is expected to go beyond that date as the threat of COVID-19 places the entire season in jeopardy.
Whelan was clear that the Euros, which is due to kick off on June 12, should be canceled by UEFA, with the governing body meet via emergency videoconference tomorrow to decide the fate of the tournament.
The outcome of the summit is set to have a major knock-on effect for domestic leagues, including the Premier League and Championship.
“It would be ridiculous if the Euros went ahead,” he told Football Insider.
“Common sense must prevail here. The European Championships need to take a step back because they are being played all over Europe. That is not going to happen, it just is not.
“UEFA has to think about canceling the Euros which may give us the extra time to let this settle down, to know a bit more about what is going on and see if we can finish the league.
“There has to be a conclusion on all fronts. That is every league. Everyone wants a conclusion and I do not care what happened during the war. This is their opportunity to make a different decision.
“Every domestic league finishing is more important than the European Championships which is all over Europe. That is the most sensible action to take.”
The Euros is set to be held in 12 cities in 12 different countries across Europe.
However, Germany today became the latest country to shut its borders in Europe – Munich is one of the host cities for the tournament.
In other Leeds United news, Danny Mills has told Football Insider Teemu Pukki could be on his way to Elland Road.