Why Tottenham could be kicked out of Europe: Match against Rennes will not be played after the COVID-19 outbreak
UEFA has confirmed Tottenham’s Europa Conference League fixture with Rennes will not be rescheduled, UEFA has confirmed, with the matter now referred to the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.
Eight Spurs players and five staff members have tested positive for coronavirus during preparations for a match against the Ligue 1 side due to take place on Thursday, with the final game postponed.
The North Londoners’ Premier League clash with Brighton, scheduled for December 12, has also been postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date.
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Spurs clash with Rennes will not be rescheduled
UEFA confirmed on Saturday that Tottenham and Rennes could not come to an agreement on a new date for their Europa Conference League match.
The case will now be decided by the organization’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.
A statement read: “Following the outbreak of Covid-19 in the Tottenham Hotspur FC team ahead of the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match against Stade Rennais FC, scheduled for 9 December 2021 in London, the match cannot take place.
“In accordance with Annex J of the UEFA Europa Conference League regulations, UEFA, in collaboration with the two clubs, attempted to find a possible solution to the re-arrangement of the match, to ensure that the group stage could be completed. Fit.
“Unfortunately, despite all efforts, a solution that would work for both clubs could not be found.
“As a result, the match can no longer be played and the matter will therefore be referred to UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body for a decision in accordance with Annex J of the Regulations. above.”
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Rennes disappointed by the match being postponed
The two teams have been in talks over a new date for the match to take place after Rennes expressed shock at Tottenham’s initial announcement.
The club said in a statement: “During a video conference between representatives of UEFA, Tottenham and Rennes, Spurs’ director of football announced his intention not to play the UEFA Europa Conference League match on Thursday evening, a unilateral decision that has not been confirmed by UEFA in any way.
“Tottenham representatives do not want to publish the number of their players affected by Covid while the law stipulates that a match must be played provided the team has 13 midfielders and one goalkeeper.
“They disputed the decision of the British leader without giving any official documents. Since the match has not been officially canceled by UEFA, Rennes still uphold their decision to play.
“Faced with this ‘London fog’, Rennes has access to UEFA. This lack of fair-play is further glaring as Tottenham have confirmed via email that the match will be held in the early afternoon before the warning. Rennes on their business. intend not to compete as soon as they land in London.”
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Brighton match postponed
A statement released on Spurs’ official website in relation to the Brighton game, read: “We can confirm that our Premier League fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion, at 2pm pm Sunday 12 December, has been postponed following a meeting of the Premier League Board of Directors this afternoon (Thursday).
“The Premier League leadership has decided to postpone the match in accordance with the guidance of the medical advisors, prioritizing the health of the players and staff. The match schedule will be rescheduled at an appropriate time.
“The club has requested that the match be rescheduled following a significant number of positive COVID-19 cases among the players and staff involved.
“As with our other affected matches, against Stade Rennais in the Europa Conference League, we will update supporters with further information as it becomes available.
“We would like to apologize to everyone at Stade Rennais and Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as their supporters and ours, for any inconvenience caused.
“We should also thank both clubs for their understanding during this challenging time.”
Conte’s point of view
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has admitted that the outbreak is a nightmare situation for the club and its staff.
“Eight players and five members of staff, but the point is every day we have people who are with Covid, who were not active yesterday and they are not today, and we are continuing to system. It’s a serious problem.” The Italian told reporters during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference, before the meeting with Rennes was cancelled.
“Everybody is a little scared. Everyone has a family. Why should we take the risk? Here’s my question. Today, two positives. And tomorrow, who? Me? I don’t know. . I’m definitely better than a player. But I don’t think it’s right for everyone. We have a connection to our family.”
