Rommedahl: Excited for UEFA decisions today
Daniel Rommedahl, F.C. Copenhagen's Director of Football Operations & International Affairs, was this morning's guest on Danish radio show P1 Morning.
He explained how he and the club are looking at our current situation in the Europa League before UEFA takes a decision on the course of the tournament today.
"It is very important for us to be able to play the (last-16) return game against Istanbul Basaksehir, because it is, in isolation, one of the biggest matches in the club's history," he said.
"When we are only behind 1-0 after the first match, we have a good chance to progress and reach the quarterfinals, which will be a very big thing for the club.
We'd like fans in the stands
“That is why we are excited about today's UEFA meeting, where it is time for us to play our game in Telia Parken some time in August. There are some factors that need to be addressed, and we hope they are.
"Of course, we would very much like to play the match with spectators in the stands. But it will be up to the Danish authorities, because on this question UEFA usually have not intervened. So it will depend on what is possible at that time, where and when the match is played."
While the return game in the last-16 clash with Istanbul is hopefully played in Copenhagen, UEFA are considering a whole new model for the remaining matches of the tournament.
'Final Eight' proposal
This consideration takes the form of a 'Final Eight' where all remaining quarterfinalists meet, for example, in Germany and decide the remaining rounds over single-leg ties.
"It is a sensible solution in the situation we are in," added Daniel.
"A 'Final Eight' round is probably necessary, as the fixtures must fit into the calendar, and there are not so many options."
UEFA have announced a press conference today at 15:30 where they will talk about the decisions to be made.