Liverpool is scheduled to play RB Leipzig on 16th February in Red Bull Arena. But Germany currently has a flight ban in place for passengers coming in from areas affected by mutations of the coronavirus and the UK is also on that list.
A spokeswoman for the Federal Ministry confirmed to Sky Germany that Liverpool would not be given a special permit: “The Corona Protection Ordinance passed by the federal government last Friday only provides for a few exceptions and no special regulations for professional athletes.”
“The Federal Police today informed RB Leipzig that the described case constellation does not fall under the exceptional circumstances.”
To cope with the threats of the Coronavirus pandemic, UEFA has already made plans at the beginning of the campaign to find ‘safe’ venues in case if the scheduled venue is not safe. The Puskas Arena in Budapest is one such safe venue.
So if Liverpool and RB Leipzig fail to come up with an alternative, the Round of 16 first leg match can be played in the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
Another possibility is that the match can be postponed. The latest possible date to finish last-16 games has been set to 2nd April.
The last option, which is the most unlikely is that RB Leipzig could be forced to forfeit the match with a 0-3 scoreline if they fail to find a solution.
Another thing, if Germany’s flight restrictions are extended, it may also affect Manchester City’s trip to face Borussia Monchengladbach on 24th February.
